"There's not a good poet I know who has not at the beck and call of his memory a vast quantity of poetry that composes his mental library"

Anthony Hecht's quote, "There's not a great poet I know who has not at the beck and call of his memory a huge quantity of poetry that composes his mental library", highlights the intrinsic connection between memory and poetic imagination. This declaration highlights the role of a poet's psychological repository as a fundamental resource for their craft.

Hecht suggests that a "great poet" has an abundant internal archive of poetry saved in their memory, which functions as an ever-present source of inspiration and assistance. This mental library is not merely a collection of works however a living, breathing part of the poet's imaginative procedure. It recommends that poets bring into play this internalized wealth of language, forms, and themes as they craft their own work, enabling them to innovate and broaden upon the customs and strategies developed by their predecessors.

Furthermore, by using the expression "beck and call", Hecht suggests that a poet's memory is not passive however actively taken part in the creative process. This suggests a dynamic interaction between past influences and present creativity, where the poet can access and utilize this reservoir of poetic understanding at will. The mental library is not static; it continually develops and expands as the poet absorbs more works and experiences.

Hecht's observation also highlights the value of substantial reading and memorization in a poet's education. To develop their craft, poets must immerse themselves in a wide variety of works, absorbing diverse voices and designs that can inform and enhance their own. This continuous engagement with poetry enables them to establish a nuanced understanding of the art type and its possibilities.

Eventually, Hecht's quote commemorates the interconnectedness of memory and imagination, acknowledging the importance of a well-stocked and readily available psychological library as an essential tool for any accomplished poet. It underscores how a deep and broad familiarity with poetry enables poets to push boundaries, innovate, and produce work that resonates with both tradition and creativity.