Meaning: This quote by Edith Sitwell beautifully encapsulates the essence of poetry and its profound impact on the human experience. Sitwell, an English poet and critic, was known for her innovative and experimental approach to poetry, and her words in this quote reflect a deep understanding of the power of poetry to awaken and articulate the hidden, neglected aspects of human existence.

Poetry has long been regarded as a medium through which individuals can express emotions, thoughts, and experiences that might otherwise remain unspoken or unacknowledged. In this quote, Sitwell suggests that the poet serves as a conduit for the voices of all people, giving expression to the "other life" that lies dormant within them. This "other life" could refer to the innermost thoughts, dreams, and desires that individuals often suppress or overlook in the course of their daily lives. It may also encompass the collective human experience, including shared emotions and experiences that are universal yet often remain unacknowledged.

Sitwell's assertion that people have "smothered and forgotten" this other life suggests that, in the hustle and bustle of everyday existence, individuals may lose touch with the deeper aspects of their being. The poet, according to Sitwell, has the ability to revive and illuminate these buried truths, serving as a messenger who brings to light the forgotten dimensions of human experience.

Poetry, as an art form, has the capacity to transcend the limitations of language and communicate on a level that resonates with the depths of human consciousness. Through the use of metaphor, imagery, and rhythm, poets have the ability to evoke emotions, provoke introspection, and challenge conventional ways of thinking. In doing so, they can awaken dormant aspects of the human psyche, prompting readers to reconsider their perceptions of the world and their place within it.

Furthermore, poetry has the power to bridge the gap between the individual and the collective, offering a space for shared experiences and emotions to be acknowledged and explored. Sitwell's assertion that the poet speaks to "all men" underscores the inclusive nature of poetry, suggesting that it has the capacity to address and resonate with the universal aspects of human existence.

In conclusion, Edith Sitwell's quote eloquently captures the transformative potential of poetry to reawaken and give voice to the neglected dimensions of human life. The poet, in this context, serves as a conduit for the expression of universal truths and hidden depths within individuals and society as a whole. Through their artistry and insight, poets have the ability to illuminate the "other life" that often remains smothered and forgotten, offering readers a renewed awareness of the richness and complexity of the human experience.