On page 221, Hirshfield says something extremely intriguing (and quite simple). "To speak, and to write, is to assert who we are, what we think."
For me, I have always viewed poetry as the opportunity to "spill oneself" without any fear or danger. With this chapter, the idea of threshold and being able to spill myself more was challenged. I felt like at times Hirshfield was calling me, and some poets I've read, by covering up oneself instead of getting to the threshold of life. Going forward, I would love to implement more of what Hirshfield is talking about. Hirshfield talks about being transparent on page 224 and I think I have a tendency to think poetry should be flowery or tip-toe, but I would love to challenge myself by going the extra mile and being a bit more straightforward.
Hi Bijan! I also loved the simple and intriguing line of “to speak and to write, is to assert who we are, and what we think. I think this chapter was very challenging just because like you said when you view poetry you think about spilling oneself, almost like just writing whatever and calling it a poem! I really enjoyed your post.