My verse forms are relatively traditional (traditions alter). In general they have moved away from strict classical patterns in the direction of greater freedom—as is usual with most artists learning a trade. It takes courage, however, to leave all props behind, to cast oneself, like Matisse, upon pure space. I still await that confidence.
ATTRIBUTION:
Fleur Adcock (b. 1934), New Zealand poet. As quoted in Contemporary Poets, 3rd ed., by James Vinson (1980).
Henri Matisse (1869-1954) was an important French painter, sculptor, and lithographer.
