THE POEM

The poem is to define a word that does not exist. First, one must be compelled by emotion evoked by, say, an image (be it internal or external) where that emotion must needs to be articulated. Aesthetic will then choose convention or invention (uncreative or creative); Imagination will describe the new word---the word the poem. Thus, William Carlos Williams said, “Only in the poem! There is no other fit medium.” Yet, it must be compelled first.