Meaning:
This quote by the renowned poet e.e. cummings offers a unique perspective on the nature of a poet and their relationship with the world. The quote suggests that a poet is someone for whom the material aspects of existence hold little importance, and that their primary focus is on the act of creation. e.e. cummings, known for his experimental and innovative approach to poetry, provides a glimpse into the mindset of a poet as someone who is deeply engrossed in the process of making art rather than being preoccupied with the tangible world.
For e.e. cummings, the poet is characterized by a sense of detachment from the conventional concerns of daily life. Instead of being preoccupied with the practical aspects of existence, the poet is portrayed as being consumed by a fervent dedication to the act of creation. This notion of the poet as someone to whom "things made matter very little" suggests a certain detachment from material concerns and a heightened focus on the abstract and imaginative realm of creativity.
The quote also emphasizes the poet's obsession with "Making," highlighting the significance of the creative process. By capitalizing the word "Making," cummings draws attention to the central preoccupation of the poet - the act of bringing something new into existence. This emphasis on the creative impulse underscores the poet's commitment to the process of crafting something original and meaningful, suggesting that the poet's true passion lies in the act of creation itself.
Furthermore, the quote alludes to the poet's unique perspective on the world. By suggesting that the poet is someone to whom "things made matter very little," cummings implies that the poet's focus is not on the mundane or superficial aspects of life, but rather on the deeper, more abstract elements that inspire their creativity. This perspective aligns with the idea of the poet as a visionary, someone who sees beyond the surface of things and is driven to express the ineffable through their art.
It's important to note that e.e. cummings' own poetic style reflects this unconventional and innovative approach to language and form. His disregard for traditional grammar and punctuation, as well as his playful manipulation of syntax and structure, exemplify his commitment to the act of Making in the realm of poetry. By breaking free from the constraints of conventional expression, cummings epitomizes the poet as someone who is unbound by the limitations of the material world and instead seeks to create something entirely new and original.
In conclusion, e.e. cummings' quote offers a thought-provoking insight into the nature of a poet as someone who is driven by the creative impulse and whose primary focus is on the act of Making. It invites us to consider the poet as a visionary, detached from the mundane concerns of daily life, and dedicated to the relentless pursuit of artistic expression. This perspective sheds light on the poet's unique relationship with the world and their unwavering commitment to the transformative power of creativity.