Meaning: This quote by Howard Nemerov, a renowned American poet, offers a thought-provoking insight into the creative process and the nature of artistic inspiration. By stating, "I think there's one thing which distinguishes our art - we don't consider. We don't think. We write a little verse because it comes to us," Nemerov sheds light on the spontaneous and intuitive aspect of artistic creation. This perspective challenges the notion that art is solely the product of deliberate, conscious thought and planning. Instead, it suggests that true artistry often emerges from a place of unconscious inspiration and unfiltered expression.

Nemerov's assertion that "we don't consider" and "we don't think" in the process of creating art speaks to the idea that creativity is not always a rational or calculated endeavor. It highlights the role of intuition, emotion, and subconscious influences in shaping artistic works. This notion is in line with the concept of "flow" in creative activities, where individuals experience a state of deep absorption and effortless engagement, often bypassing conscious analysis and deliberation.

The quote also emphasizes the spontaneous nature of artistic expression, as Nemerov mentions writing "a little verse because it comes to us." This notion of art coming to the artist suggests a sense of receptivity and openness to inspiration, where the creative individual acts as a vessel for ideas and emotions to flow through without imposing restrictive intellectual constraints.

Nemerov's perspective invites reflection on the relationship between creativity and thought processes. While rational analysis and critical thinking play essential roles in refining and shaping artistic works, the initial spark of creativity often arises from a more instinctive and unstructured place. This aligns with the romanticized image of the artist as a conduit for the muses, channeling inspiration from mysterious and inexplicable sources.

Furthermore, Nemerov's quote challenges the traditional view of the poet or artist as a deliberate and methodical craftsman, carefully constructing their work through conscious effort and meticulous planning. Instead, it suggests that authentic artistic expression often involves a degree of surrender to the unpredictable and uncontrollable forces of creativity.

In a broader sense, Nemerov's words can be interpreted as a celebration of spontaneity and creative freedom. By emphasizing the act of writing "a little verse because it comes to us," he underscores the joy and liberation that can be found in allowing creativity to flow naturally, unencumbered by overthinking or self-censorship.

Ultimately, Nemerov's quote serves as a poignant reminder of the enigmatic and multifaceted nature of artistic inspiration and the complex interplay between conscious intention and unconscious expression in the creative process. It invites us to reconsider the traditional dichotomy between "thinking" and "creating" and to embrace the mysterious and intuitive aspects of artistic endeavor.

In conclusion, Howard Nemerov's quote encapsulates a profound insight into the spontaneous and unpremeditated nature of artistic creation. It challenges conventional notions of deliberate thought and planning as the sole drivers of creativity, highlighting the role of intuition, receptivity, and unfiltered expression in the artistic process. Nemerov's words invite us to contemplate the enigmatic sources of inspiration and to embrace the liberating spontaneity of creative expression.