Meaning: This quote by John Barton, a Canadian poet, encapsulates a fundamental principle of poetry – the delicate balance between expressing genuine emotions and avoiding sentimentality. In this quote, Barton suggests that a poet should make a conscious decision not to force or impose their feelings onto their work. Instead, they should strive to write with authenticity and sincerity, without succumbing to sentimentality.

When a poet imposes their feelings onto their writing, it can result in a forced, contrived expression that lacks authenticity. It becomes apparent to the reader that the emotions are being manipulated or exaggerated, and the poem loses its impact. This is what Barton refers to as sentimentality – an excessive or exaggerated display of emotion that feels insincere or artificial.

To write without sentimentality, the poet must resist the temptation to manipulate or overstate their emotions for the sake of eliciting a specific response from the reader. Instead, they must allow their emotions to flow naturally and authentically, shaping their words with honesty and integrity. By doing so, the poet can create a more genuine and profound connection with the reader, evoking a deeper emotional resonance.

In essence, Barton's quote underscores the importance of sincerity and authenticity in poetry. It encourages poets to be mindful of their emotions, allowing them to inform their work without dominating or distorting it. This approach enables the poet to convey genuine feelings and experiences in a way that resonates with the reader on a deeper level.

Furthermore, by emphasizing the need to avoid sentimentality, Barton highlights the distinction between genuine emotion and emotional manipulation. This is a crucial aspect of poetic integrity, as it ensures that the emotional impact of the poem is derived from an authentic place rather than from contrived or exaggerated sentiment.

In practical terms, writing without sentimentality requires a keen awareness of one's emotions and a willingness to channel them into the poetic expression without forcing or distorting them. It involves a delicate balance between self-expression and restraint, allowing the emotions to guide the writing process while maintaining a sense of artistic integrity.

Poets can achieve this by cultivating a reflective and introspective approach to their writing, seeking to understand and convey their emotions with clarity and honesty. This may involve drawing from personal experiences, memories, or observations, allowing the emotions to resonate through the imagery, language, and rhythm of the poem.

Additionally, the use of precise and evocative language is essential in conveying genuine emotion without succumbing to sentimentality. By choosing words that are meaningful and resonant, the poet can evoke emotions in the reader without relying on exaggerated or melodramatic expressions.

Ultimately, Barton's quote serves as a reminder to poets of the importance of writing with emotional sincerity and authenticity. It encourages them to approach their craft with integrity and sensitivity, mindful of the impact that their words can have on the reader. By striving to write without sentimentality, poets can create work that is genuine, evocative, and deeply resonant, forging a meaningful connection with their audience.