"In high school, we studied a lot of poetical forms. I was really interested in the math that was involved and the strange live break ups. That gave me a great amount of respect for a rhymed stanza"

In this quote, Joanna Newsom assesses her high school experience studying various poetical kinds. Her appreciation for poetry's structure highlights a distinct crossway in between mathematics and art, an area often neglected by those who perceive poetry as merely a creative or psychological venture.

When Newsom discusses her interest in "the math that was included", she mentions the existence of structural rules in poetry. Types such as sonnets, haikus, and villanelles are governed by particular metrics and patterns; this includes syllable counting, balanced foot placement, and rhyme schemes-- all of which can be viewed as mathematical puzzles. The ability to convey deep meaning within these constraints demonstrates the poet's skill and imagination.

Additionally, Newsom's referral to the "odd live separate" might suggest her fascination with line breaks and stanzaic departments. The term "live" implies dynamism, suggesting that she sees these breaks as active and meaningful, instead of stiff and approximate. In poetry, how lines break can significantly affect the reading experience, as it impacts pacing, emphasis, and rhythm. Each break is a choice that contributes to the poem's total impact, just like a mathematical solution that should please particular specifications while attaining clarity and purpose.

Ultimately, Newsom's reflection exposes how the discipline and accuracy needed in crafting rhymed stanzas have fostered respect within her. Rhyming isn't merely about finding words that end in comparable sounds; it involves a delicate balance of keeping the poem's thematic essence without compromising its musicality. This mix of restrictions and creativity, of freedom within type, highlights the richness of poetry as an art kind. By appreciating this relationship, Newsom not only acknowledges the charm of poetry but also the intellectual workout it requires, highlighting her nuanced understanding of both the art and science ingrained in poetic production.