Meaning: The quote by Robert Morgan Soldier reflects his interest in the use of voices and narration in poetry during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Robert Morgan is an American poet and author known for his exploration of themes related to nature, Appalachian culture, and the human experience. In this quote, he expresses his fascination with infusing poetry with the qualities of real human speech, emphasizing the importance of embodying the voice of the narrator within the poem.

During the late 1960s and early 1970s, the world of poetry experienced significant shifts and innovations, particularly in the realm of spoken word and performance poetry. This era saw the rise of the "confessional" poets, who sought to bring an intimate and personal voice to their work, often drawing from their own experiences and emotions. It was also a time of experimentation with language, form, and the performative aspects of poetry.

Morgan's interest in voices and narration aligns with this broader cultural and artistic context, as poets during this period were increasingly drawn to the idea of poetry as a form of direct, authentic communication. By making the poem sound like a real person talking, Morgan was tapping into the desire to bridge the gap between the written word and lived experience, creating a sense of immediacy and intimacy in his poetry.

One of the key aspects of Morgan's approach is the embodiment of the voice within the poem. This concept goes beyond simply conveying the words of a speaker; it involves capturing the nuances of human speech, including tone, rhythm, and inflection. Through this embodiment, the poem takes on a lifelike quality, as if the reader is engaged in a genuine conversation with the narrator. This technique can create a powerful sense of connection and empathy, drawing the reader into the emotional and psychological landscape of the poem.

Morgan's emphasis on making the poem sound like a real person talking also speaks to the performative nature of poetry. In the 1960s and 1970s, poets increasingly explored the possibilities of live readings and public performances as a means of engaging with audiences in a more immediate and visceral way. By infusing his poetry with the qualities of natural speech, Morgan was likely seeking to enhance its performative potential, inviting listeners to experience the full impact of the poem's voice and narrative presence.

Furthermore, the quote suggests that Morgan's interest in voices and narration may have been influenced by broader cultural and technological developments of the time. The late 1960s and early 1970s were marked by the increasing prominence of television, film, and audio recordings as mediums for storytelling and communication. These forms of media brought new possibilities for the presentation of voices and narratives, influencing artists across various disciplines, including poetry.

In conclusion, Robert Morgan Soldier's quote reflects his engagement with the evolving landscape of poetry during the late 1960s and early 1970s, particularly in relation to the use of voices, narration, and the embodiment of the speaker within the poem. By seeking to make the poem sound like a real person talking, Morgan was tapping into the desire for authenticity, immediacy, and performative impact in poetry, while also responding to broader cultural and artistic currents of the time. His exploration of voice and narrative embodiment contributes to a deeper understanding of the dynamic and multifaceted nature of poetry as a form of human expression and connection.