Meaning: Sharon Olds, an American poet known for her candid and often emotionally charged works, offers a thought-provoking insight into the creative process of writing poetry with her quote, "Many poets write books. They'll tell you: Well, I've got my next book, but there are two poems I need to write, one about x, one about y. This is a wonder to me." This quote encapsulates the essence of the poet's struggle to capture and express the ineffable through the written word and provides a glimpse into the intricate and often arduous process of crafting poetry.

Olds' observation about poets writing books underscores the prolific nature of many poets, as they endeavor to compile their poems into cohesive collections that encapsulate a particular theme, period, or emotional trajectory. The notion of having a "next book" in mind suggests the continuous and evolving nature of a poet's creative output, as they are constantly seeking to refine and expand their body of work. The mention of "two poems I need to write, one about x, one about y" alludes to the deliberate and purposeful approach that poets often take in addressing specific subjects or experiences through their poetry. This highlights the intentionality and contemplative nature of the creative process, as poets grapple with the task of distilling complex emotions and ideas into lyrical and evocative verse.

Furthermore, the quote offers a glimpse into the underlying wonder that Olds experiences in observing this aspect of the poetic process. The wonder may stem from the inherent mystery and beauty of the creative act itself, as poets navigate the vast terrain of human experience and endeavor to translate it into language that resonates with readers. Additionally, the quote may also allude to the enigmatic and deeply personal nature of poetic inspiration, as poets grapple with the ineffable sources of their creativity and seek to give form to the intangible through their writing.

In essence, Olds' quote sheds light on the multifaceted and often demanding nature of the poet's craft, emphasizing the dedication, intentionality, and sense of wonder that underpin the process of creating poetry. By encapsulating the poet's perpetual quest to articulate the unutterable and distill the complexities of human existence into verse, the quote offers a compelling glimpse into the profound and often enigmatic world of poetic creation.

Sharon Olds' quote serves as a poignant reminder of the profound and often enigmatic nature of the creative process, offering insight into the intricate and deeply personal journey that poets undertake as they seek to articulate the ineffable through the written word.