"You don't have to suffer to be a poet; adolescence is enough suffering for anyone"

This quote by John Ciardi talks to the concept that one does not need to experience great suffering in order to be a poet. Ciardi recommends that teenage years suffices suffering for anyone, suggesting that the battles of growing up suffice to inspire creativity and writing. This quote speaks to the idea that the battles of maturing can be a source of motivation and imagination. It recommends that the emotions and experiences of teenage years can be utilized to develop significant art. Ciardi's quote also suggests that suffering is not needed for imagination, which the battles of maturing can be enough to inspire meaningful writing. This quote encourages youths to utilize their experiences to develop art, and to not feel the need to suffer in order to be a poet.