Meaning: This quote by Charles Olson encapsulates the essence of poetry as the fundamental expression of existence. Charles Olson was an influential American poet, essayist, and literary theorist associated with the Black Mountain Poets. His work often focused on the relationship between language and the physical world, and this quote reflects his belief in the primal significance of poetry.

In this quote, Olson suggests that a poem is not merely a constructed arrangement of words, but rather the initial manifestation of sound within the framework of existence. This concept aligns with Olson's poetic theory, which emphasized the importance of breath, sound, and the physical act of speaking in poetry. For Olson, the poem was not an abstract creation divorced from the lived experience; rather, it was an organic, embodied utterance that resonated with the fundamental nature of being.

To understand this quote, it is essential to delve into Olson's broader literary and philosophical perspectives. Central to Olson's thinking was the idea of "projective verse," which he articulated in his influential essay of the same name. Projective verse, according to Olson, is a poetic form that seeks to capture the kinetic energy of speech and the natural rhythms of the body. In this context, the "first sound" mentioned in the quote can be interpreted as the primal, unmediated expression of human voice and breath.

Furthermore, Olson's reference to the "modality of being" underscores his belief in the interconnectedness of language and existence. In Olson's view, the act of writing poetry was a means of engaging with the world in its most immediate and essential form. By tapping into the raw, unadulterated sound of language, poets could access the very essence of being and communicate it through their work.

This quote also reflects Olson's rejection of traditional poetic conventions and his embrace of spontaneity and organic form. For Olson, the poem was not a static, predetermined artifact but a dynamic, evolving entity that emerged from the depths of human experience. By emphasizing the primacy of sound and the immediacy of expression, Olson sought to redefine the boundaries of poetry and expand its potential as a mode of authentic communication.

In conclusion, Charles Olson's quote encapsulates his profound understanding of poetry as the primal articulation of sound within the fabric of existence. By foregrounding the significance of the "first sound" and its resonance with the "modality of being," Olson challenges us to reconsider the nature of poetry and its intrinsic connection to the fundamental aspects of human life. This quote serves as a testament to Olson's innovative approach to poetry and his enduring influence on the evolution of literary expression.