Meaning: The quote by Peter Porter provides an insightful perspective on the relationship between pictures and poems. It suggests that the connection between visual art and poetry is not one of direct correspondence or mutual interpretation, but rather one that involves a more nuanced and subtle form of interaction. The idea that the pictures and poems are in a relationship with each other, touching only at points, implies that they share common elements or themes, but do not necessarily serve as direct representations or interpretations of each other. This concept challenges the traditional notion of visual art and poetry as complementary or mutually explanatory forms of expression, and instead suggests a more abstract and open-ended relationship between the two.

When examining the quote, it is important to consider the broader context of Peter Porter's work and his views on the intersection of visual art and poetry. Porter was a poet and critic known for his keen observations on the arts, and his insights into the relationship between different forms of artistic expression have been widely influential. His perspective on the interplay between pictures and poems reflects a nuanced understanding of the ways in which different modes of creativity can intersect and inform each other.

One interpretation of the quote is that it highlights the idea that both visual art and poetry have their own unique qualities and modes of expression, and that the relationship between the two should be understood as a form of dialogue rather than a one-to-one correspondence. This suggests that the connection between pictures and poems should be seen as a series of points of contact or resonance, where themes, emotions, or ideas in one form of expression find echoes or reflections in the other. In this sense, the relationship between pictures and poems becomes a more dynamic and open-ended process, allowing for a multiplicity of interpretations and connections.

Porter's assertion that pictures are not simply illustrations of poems, nor poems extrapolations of pictures, challenges the conventional hierarchy between visual art and poetry. Instead of viewing one as a mere accompaniment or interpretation of the other, Porter suggests that each form of expression has its own independent significance and can contribute to a rich and multifaceted dialogue between the visual and the verbal. This perspective invites us to consider the ways in which visual art and poetry can inform, enrich, and complicate each other, opening up new possibilities for creative expression and interpretation.

Overall, Peter Porter's quote offers a thought-provoking insight into the relationship between pictures and poems, challenging us to reexamine the traditional boundaries and hierarchies between different forms of artistic expression. By emphasizing the nuanced and multifaceted nature of their interaction, Porter encourages us to appreciate the ways in which visual art and poetry can resonate with each other, creating a rich and complex web of connections and meanings.