Meaning: The quote "A poet ought not to pick nature's pocket. Let him borrow, and so borrow as to repay by the very act of borrowing. Examine nature accurately, but write from recollection, and trust more to the imagination than the memory" by Samuel Taylor Coleridge encapsulates the essence of the Romantic view of poetry and the relationship between the poet and nature. This quote reflects Coleridge's belief that a poet should not merely imitate or replicate nature, but should instead draw inspiration from it in a way that enriches and adds value to the natural world.

Coleridge's idea of not "picking nature's pocket" suggests that a poet should not exploit or take from nature for their own gain, but rather should borrow from it in a way that ultimately gives back to nature. This notion aligns with the Romantic emphasis on the spiritual and moral significance of nature, as well as the interconnectedness of the natural world with human creativity. By "borrowing" from nature, the poet enters into a reciprocal relationship with the natural world, acknowledging the debt owed to nature while also seeking to enrich it through poetic expression.

The concept of "writing from recollection" highlights Coleridge's belief in the transformative power of memory and the imagination. Rather than relying solely on direct observation or factual representation, the poet is encouraged to draw from their own experiences and perceptions of nature, infusing their writing with personal and emotional depth. This approach allows the poet to capture the essence of nature in a more profound and meaningful way, transcending mere description to convey the deeper truths and emotions evoked by the natural world.

Additionally, Coleridge's emphasis on trusting "more to the imagination than the memory" underscores the Romantic belief in the creative and visionary capacity of the human mind. The imagination, in Coleridge's view, serves as a bridge between the external world of nature and the internal world of the poet, enabling the transformation of raw sensory experiences into poetic expression. This reliance on the imagination aligns with the Romantic ideal of the poet as a visionary and creative force, capable of shaping and interpreting the natural world in ways that resonate with universal truths and emotions.

Overall, Coleridge's quote encapsulates the Romantic view of poetry as a medium through which the poet engages with nature in a respectful, transformative, and imaginative manner. It emphasizes the ethical and aesthetic responsibilities of the poet in relation to nature, as well as the profound role of memory and imagination in the poetic process. By borrowing from nature and repaying through poetic expression, the poet participates in a symbiotic relationship with the natural world, contributing to a deeper understanding and appreciation of nature's beauty and significance.