Meaning: Howard Nemerov's quote about Robert Frost's approach to poetry reveals a fundamental aspect of the creative process. Frost's advice to "not think of the last line first" speaks to the idea of organic development in poetry, emphasizing the importance of allowing the poem to unfold naturally rather than forcing a predetermined conclusion. This approach highlights the dynamic and spontaneous nature of poetic creation, suggesting that a poem should be a reflection of the poet's exploration and discovery rather than a preconceived structure. In this essay, we will delve deeper into the significance of Frost's advice and explore its implications for the art of poetry.

Robert Frost, a celebrated American poet known for his evocative and introspective verse, offered invaluable insights into the craft of poetry. His admonition against thinking of the last line first underscores the need for authenticity and sincerity in poetic expression. Frost's emphasis on allowing the poem to take shape organically aligns with the Romantic ideal of art as a spontaneous outpouring of emotion and imagination. By discouraging a predetermined conclusion, Frost encourages poets to embrace the uncertainty and fluidity of the creative process, thus fostering a sense of openness and possibility within the poem.

Moreover, Frost's advice reflects a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of form and content in poetry. By prioritizing the development of the poem over its resolution, Frost highlights the significance of the journey within the poem itself. This approach invites poets to engage in a process of exploration and discovery, allowing the themes, images, and language of the poem to unfold in a natural and unforced manner. In doing so, Frost advocates for a holistic approach to poetry, where form emerges from content and the poem becomes a living, breathing entity that defies rigid constraints.

Nemerov's agreement with Frost's perspective further underscores the enduring relevance of this advice in the realm of poetry. As a poet himself, Nemerov acknowledges the inherent value of allowing a poem to develop without imposing preconceived notions or predetermined outcomes. This sentiment echoes the Romantic notion of the poet as a conduit for inspiration, yielding to the creative forces at play and surrendering to the process of artistic revelation. By aligning himself with Frost's approach, Nemerov recognizes the profound implications of this philosophy for the authenticity and integrity of poetic expression.

Furthermore, Frost's advice encourages poets to relinquish control and embrace the inherent uncertainty of the creative process. By eschewing the temptation to craft a predetermined conclusion, poets are compelled to immerse themselves in the act of creation and to remain receptive to the unforeseen directions that the poem may take. This relinquishment of control fosters a sense of spontaneity and dynamism within the poem, allowing for the emergence of unexpected insights and revelations that may not have been possible within a predetermined structure.

In conclusion, Howard Nemerov's reflection on Robert Frost's advice encapsulates the essence of poetic creation as a dynamic and organic process. By urging poets to refrain from thinking of the last line first, Frost advocates for a genuine and uncontrived approach to poetry, one that prioritizes the journey of the poem over its destination. This philosophy celebrates the spontaneity, authenticity, and interconnectedness of form and content in poetry, inviting poets to embrace the uncertainty and fluidity of the creative process. Ultimately, Frost's advice serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of poetic expression and the enduring relevance of his wisdom in the art of poetry.