Meaning: This quote by poet Hart Crane reflects the process of creation and the patience required to bring a work of art to its natural form. In this quote, Crane speaks to the energy and patience needed to gather and arrange the materials of creation before finally shaping them into their intended form.

Crane's reference to the "great deal of energy" required in the creative process speaks to the intensity of effort and focus necessary to bring an artistic vision to life. Whether in the realm of poetry, visual arts, music, or any other creative pursuit, this energy is the driving force that compels an artist to gather their ideas and inspirations, and to begin the process of giving them shape and substance.

However, Crane also acknowledges that summoning this energy is not the most difficult part of the creative process. He emphasizes the crucial role of patience, the ability to wait, and the trust in one's instincts. This waiting period is essential for allowing the materials of creation to coalesce and take their proper form. It involves a period of incubation, during which the artist allows their ideas to develop and mature, trusting that the right moment for their expression will reveal itself.

The idea of waiting "much of the time" suggests that a significant portion of the creative process involves this patient gathering and arranging of materials, rather than the active, visible act of creation. This waiting period may involve research, reflection, trial and error, and the exploration of different possibilities. It is a crucial but often unseen aspect of the creative journey, requiring discipline and faith in the eventual outcome.

Crane's use of the word "instincts" points to the role of intuition and inner guidance in the creative process. While the artist may rely on learned skills and techniques, there comes a point where they must trust their instincts to tell them when the materials have been gathered in the proper order for the final act of creation. This reliance on instinct speaks to the deeply personal and intuitive nature of the creative process, where the artist must ultimately rely on their own sense of what is right and true for their work.

The concept of "final welding into their natural form" conveys the idea of bringing the assembled materials together in a way that feels organic and true to their inherent nature. This final act of creation involves a kind of fusion, where the artist's vision and the gathered materials become unified into a cohesive and meaningful whole. It is the culmination of the energy, patience, and instinctual guidance that have shaped the creative process.

In conclusion, Hart Crane's quote captures the essence of the creative journey, emphasizing the dual requirements of energy and patience in bringing a work of art to fruition. It speaks to the often unseen and internal aspects of creativity, highlighting the importance of waiting, trusting one's instincts, and ultimately shaping the materials of creation into their natural form. It serves as a reminder to artists of the dedication and perseverance required to realize their artistic visions.