Meaning: This quote by Wilfred Owen, a renowned English poet and soldier, encapsulates the essence of poetic creation and the organic growth of a poem. The comparison he draws between a poem and the growth of a tree in spring highlights the gradual and continuous development of poetic expression. Through this analogy, Owen emphasizes the natural and iterative process of creativity, suggesting that a poem, like a tree, does not grow abruptly or in fits and starts, but rather in a steady and organic manner.

In the quote, Owen likens the process of poetic creation to the growth of trees in spring, particularly the production of a new ring of tissue. This analogy underscores the idea that poetic expression, like the growth of a tree, is a cyclical and ongoing process. Just as trees add a new ring of tissue each spring, poets continually generate new material and bring forth fresh ideas to their work. This comparison highlights the notion that creativity is not a one-time event but rather an ongoing, seasonal endeavor, with each new outlay of poetic "stuff" representing a renewed and evolving artistic expression.

Furthermore, the reference to "every poet" putting forth a fresh outlay of material "at the same season" suggests a collective and universal aspect to the creative process. By invoking the idea of poets producing new work "at the same season," Owen implies that the act of creation is not unique to any individual poet but is instead a shared experience that transcends individuality. This notion speaks to the interconnectedness of artistic expression and the shared rhythms of creativity that bind poets and their work together.

Wilfred Owen, known for his poignant and evocative war poetry, wrote extensively about the human experience of war and its devastating impact on individuals and society. His own experiences as a soldier during World War I deeply influenced his work, and his poems often reflect the horrors and disillusionment of war. In this context, the quote can also be interpreted as a reflection of Owen's own creative process and the way in which he channeled his experiences and emotions into his poetry. The comparison to the growth of trees in spring may also be seen as a metaphor for the resilience and renewal of the human spirit in the face of adversity, themes that are prevalent in Owen's war poetry.

Overall, Wilfred Owen's quote eloquently captures the essence of poetic creation as a continuous and cyclical process, drawing parallels between the growth of a poem and the natural rhythms of the natural world. It underscores the iterative and evolving nature of artistic expression, emphasizing the interconnectedness of poets and their creative endeavors. Furthermore, when considered in the context of Owen's own experiences and body of work, the quote offers insight into the profound and enduring impact of his poetry, which continues to resonate with readers and scholars alike.