In this poem, the speaker intriguingly begins by claiming a dislike for poetry, yet paradoxically chooses poetry as her medium of expression. This contradiction invites readers to explore the nuanced relationship between the speaker's apparent disdain for poetry and her choice to articulate her thoughts through verse. The poem unfolds a vibrant exploration of the essence of what's genuine in poetry, advocating for sincere expression over superficial embellishments.

Opening Insight

The speaker opens with a seemingly casual remark about her aversion to poetry, which stands out as an ironic commentary. She uses the term "fiddle" to suggest that poetry might be perceived as frivolous or excessively fussed over. Despite this supposed dislike, her choice to convey her thoughts through a poem implies a deeper connection and appreciation of the art form.

Contradiction and Realness

In the subsequent lines, the speaker presents a counterargument, admitting that while poetry can appear trivial, it is through this medium that one can encounter authenticity and truth. This acknowledgment sets up a dialectical tension in the poem, exploring the balance between perceived triviality and genuine expression.

Examples of Authenticity

The speaker lists tangible examples such as grasping hands, dilating eyes, and rising hair to illustrate "genuine" elements in poetry. These examples are strategically placed to suggest a seamless connection between the notion of authenticity and these vivid images. Moore's aversion to "connectives" results in a style that relies on proximity for coherence, implying that poetry should prioritize functional detail over mere ornamentation.

The Role of Significance

Lines 8 to 11 further emphasize the importance of clarity and purpose in poetry. The pronoun "they" extends beyond prior examples to encompass all meaningful objects in a poem, stressing that obscurity can lead to disconnection and confusion for the reader. These lines serve as a caution against the use of ambiguous symbolism that detracts from a poem's impact.

Phenomena and Misinterpretation

Providing a catalog of "important phenomena," the speaker critiques how certain elements in poetry are often misrepresented. She uses images from the animal kingdom alongside human interests like criticism and statistics to demonstrate this point. While acknowledging their significance, the poem warns against "half poets" who exploit these subjects superficially, resulting in work that isn’t genuinely poetic.

Literalists of the Imagination

Lines 20 to 24 introduce the phrase "literalists of the imagination," borrowed from W. B. Yeats. This paradoxical idea calls for poets to be true to their imagination yet grounded in reality. Moore’s use of quotes from other literary works highlights her belief in the ongoing dialogue within literature, emphasizing that impactful writing should engage with existing ideas in a meaningful way.

Imaginary Gardens with Real Toads

Continuing this theme, the poem presents the phrase "imaginary gardens with real toads in them," an original line attributed to Moore. This imagery encapsulates the essence of the paradox introduced earlier, illustrating how poets should strive to blend the imagined with the real. The idea is that authentic poetry creates a space where the imaginary and the genuine coexist harmoniously.

Conclusion: Synthesis of Imagination and Reality

In the final lines, the poem reiterates the blend of imagination and reality as the core of true poetry. The speaker insists on maintaining high standards for poetry, acknowledging its imperfections while still finding value and interest in the art form. The poem closes by resolving the dialectic tension introduced at its beginning, offering a balanced view of what constitutes meaningful poetry.