Meaning: The quote, "If I were assigned poems I suppose I'd write more of them but it is entirely voluntary and for the most part ignored in the market sense of the word so the language to me is most intimate, most important, most sublime and most satisfying when it gets done," by Thomas Lynch, encapsulates the intrinsic motivation and personal significance of writing poetry. Thomas Lynch is an American poet, essayist, and undertaker who is known for his contemplative and introspective writing style. This quote reflects his perspective on the creative process and the value he places on the act of writing poetry for its own sake, rather than for commercial gain or external validation.

Lynch's assertion that if he were assigned poems, he would write more of them highlights the idea that creativity can be spurred by obligation or external demands, but true artistic expression often arises from a place of personal volition and inner inspiration. The voluntary nature of his poetic endeavors underscores the deeply personal and self-motivated aspect of his writing. By emphasizing that his poetry is "entirely voluntary," Lynch suggests that his creative output is driven by an internal passion and a genuine love for the craft, rather than by external pressures or expectations.

Furthermore, the notion that his poetry is "ignored in the market sense of the word" speaks to the idea that Lynch's creative pursuits are not primarily motivated by commercial success or widespread recognition. Instead, he values the intrinsic worth of the language and the act of writing itself, regardless of its reception in the marketplace. This sentiment aligns with the traditional understanding of poetry as a form of artistic expression that often exists outside the commercial mainstream, and is often created for the sake of personal fulfillment and communication rather than for financial gain.

The language of the quote also conveys a deep reverence for the act of writing and the significance of language as a means of personal expression. Lynch describes the language as "most intimate, most important, most sublime and most satisfying" when it is "done," emphasizing the profound emotional and spiritual connection he experiences through the act of crafting poetry. This portrayal of language as intimate and sublime underscores the deeply personal and transcendent nature of the creative process for Lynch, highlighting the profound impact that writing has on his inner world.

In addition, the quote suggests that the satisfaction derived from the act of writing is tied to the completion of a piece. This sentiment reflects the idea that the process of creating poetry is not only a source of personal fulfillment, but also a journey towards a sense of accomplishment and closure. The satisfaction that comes from "getting [the language] done" underscores the inherent value of the creative process itself, independent of external recognition or validation.

Overall, Thomas Lynch's quote offers a poignant reflection on the intrinsic motivation, personal significance, and deep emotional connection that underpin the act of writing poetry. It emphasizes the voluntary and personal nature of creative expression, the value of language as a mode of intimate communication, and the inherent satisfaction derived from the act of creation. Lynch's perspective serves as a reminder of the profound and deeply personal rewards of engaging in artistic endeavors for their own sake, independent of external measures of success.