GENESIS

The genesis of a poem for me is usually a cluster of words. The only good metaphor I can think of is a scientific one: dipping a thread into a supersaturated solution to induce crystal formation. I don’t think I solve problems in my poetry; I think I uncover the problems.

Joy Harjo




www.alberthagenaars.nl


Also see:
Frozen poets - Statues, tombs and other traces of hundreds of poets

Dutch poetry in Indonesian language, translated by Siti Wahyuningsih and Albert Hagenaars

Critical reviews on modern Dutch poetry

THE UNKNOWN

The poet must address the unknown. Almost everything is the unknown. What we know, we do not know. And he must magnify the mystery rather than diminish it. And even the simplest poem adds something to the unknown. The poem is the poet's religion.

Leo Herberghs




www.alberthagenaars.nl


Also see:
Frozen poets - Statues, tombs and other traces of hundreds of poets

Dutch poetry in Indonesian language, translated by Siti Wahyuningsih and Albert Hagenaars

Critical reviews on modern Dutch poetry

CHILD

When a child learns to write verses, they are often incredibly original. The child has a fresh approach to language. The lines flow playfully from the pen. It is the words that transport the child to the world of poetry. The words make the child a poet. Language gives the child access to experiences and feelings unknown outside of the poem.

Leo Herberghs




www.alberthagenaars.nl


Also see:
Frozen poets - Statues, tombs and other traces of hundreds of poets

Dutch poetry in Indonesian language, translated by Siti Wahyuningsih and Albert Hagenaars

Critical reviews on modern Dutch poetry

CONTEMPT

Essentially, all great action is based on contempt, all poetry, for example, on disregarding its cause and content.

Karel van het Reve




www.alberthagenaars.nl


Also see:
Frozen poets - Statues, tombs and other traces of hundreds of poets

Dutch poetry in Indonesian language, translated by Siti Wahyuningsih and Albert Hagenaars

Critical reviews on modern Dutch poetry

PLAIN

Writing poetry is: looking out over an expansive dry plain and letting it be irrigated through lines of verse.

Maud Vanhauwaert




www.alberthagenaars.nl


Also see:
Frozen poets - Statues, tombs and other traces of hundreds of poets

Dutch poetry in Indonesian language, translated by Siti Wahyuningsih and Albert Hagenaars

Critical reviews on modern Dutch poetry

GRIM

The world has become grim these days. On almost every level. Yet poetry is still very much alive. It will survive as long as we breathe and words find the strength to denounce or embrace the spirit of the times, to express it profoundly, and thereby to transcend it.

Antoon Van den Braembussche




www.alberthagenaars.nl


Also see:
Frozen poets - Statues, tombs and other traces of hundreds of poets

Dutch poetry in Indonesian language, translated by Siti Wahyuningsih and Albert Hagenaars

Critical reviews on modern Dutch poetry

RETURNING

In a certain sense, every difficult poem is an intellectual investment. What derails in your soul today may return tomorrow as understanding.

Gerrit Krol




www.alberthagenaars.nl


Also see:
Frozen poets - Statues, tombs and other traces of hundreds of poets

Dutch poetry in Indonesian language, translated by Siti Wahyuningsih and Albert Hagenaars

Critical reviews on modern Dutch poetry