John Berryman quotes

We must travel in the direction of our fear. (John Berryman)
You should always be trying to write a poem you are unable to write, a poem you lack the technique, the language, the courage to achieve. Otherwise you're merely imitating yourself, going nowhere, because that's always easiest. View quote
John Berryman
One must be ruthless with one's own writing or someone else will be. View quote
John Berryman
Bats have no bankers and they do not drink and cannot be arrested and pay no tax and, in general, bats have it made. View quote
John Berryman
I am so wise I had my mouth sewn shut. View quote
John Berryman
These Songs are not meant to be understood, you understand. They are only meant to terrify & comfort. View quote
John Berryman
We have reason to be afraid. This is a terrible place. View quote
John Berryman
Them lady poets must not marry, pal. View quote
John Berryman
Life, friends, is boring. We must not say so. View quote
John Berryman
The artist is extremely lucky who is presented with the worst possible ordeal which will not actually kill him. At that point, he's in business. View quote
John Berryman
I didn't want to be like Yeats; I wanted to be Yeats. (John Berryman)
Life, friends, is boring. We must not say so. After all, the sky flashes, the great sea yearns, we ourselves flash and yearn. View quote
John Berryman