Meaning: This quote by Salvatore Quasimodo, an Italian poet and Nobel Prize winner, reflects on the relationship between modern poets and the ancient poets who have come before them. Quasimodo suggests that the ancient poets, who have achieved a timeless and unchanging status, serve as an audience for the work of contemporary poets. He implies that the ancient poets view the modern poets' work from a distant and incorruptible perspective, comparing it to their own enduring poetic forms.

Quasimodo's statement speaks to the enduring influence and legacy of ancient poets on contemporary writers. The "ancient poets" he refers to could include revered figures from literary history, such as Homer, Virgil, Dante, Shakespeare, and others whose works have stood the test of time. These poets have established poetic forms and styles that have become canonical and are still studied and admired today. Their influence is pervasive, and their works continue to shape the literary landscape.

When Quasimodo mentions the "incorruptible distance" from which the ancient poets view the modern work, he highlights the idea that these poets exist outside of the constraints of time and societal change. Their poetic forms are seen as permanent and unchanging, and they are held in high esteem as literary touchstones. This distance implies a sense of objectivity and timelessness, as if the ancient poets are able to assess the contemporary work with a clarity unclouded by the passage of time or changing literary trends.

Moreover, Quasimodo's assertion that "it is difficult to create new forms which can approach them" acknowledges the challenge faced by modern poets in trying to innovate and create original work that can stand alongside the established forms of the past. The weight of tradition and the enduring power of the ancient poets' creations present a formidable obstacle for contemporary writers seeking to make their mark on the literary world. The pressure to measure up to the achievements of the past can be daunting, and it requires a delicate balance of reverence for tradition and the courage to push the boundaries of poetic expression.

In essence, Quasimodo's quote reflects the complex and nuanced relationship between past and present in the world of poetry. It captures the tension between the desire to honor and learn from the poetic traditions of the past and the need for modern poets to forge their own paths and contribute to the ongoing evolution of literary expression. It also highlights the enduring influence of ancient poets and the ongoing dialogue between past and present in the realm of artistic creation.

In conclusion, Salvatore Quasimodo's quote offers a thought-provoking insight into the interplay between modern and ancient poetry. It underscores the enduring legacy of the ancient poets and the challenges faced by contemporary writers in navigating the weight of tradition while striving for innovation. By acknowledging the timeless influence of the past on the present, Quasimodo's words invite contemplation on the evolving nature of poetic expression and the ongoing dialogue between generations of poets.