Meaning: This quote by John Drinkwater, a poet and playwright, encapsulates a fundamental aspect of poetry and literature - the subjective nature of evaluating the quality of a poem. The quote emphasizes the idea that the excellence of a poetic work is not something that can be objectively proven but rather is a matter of personal conviction based on one's knowledge and judgment.

In essence, Drinkwater is highlighting the inherent subjectivity of literary evaluation. The notion of "the best words in the best order" is a reference to Samuel Taylor Coleridge's definition of poetry as "the best words in the best order." Coleridge's definition suggests that poetry is distinguished by the precise and artful arrangement of language, and Drinkwater's quote reflects the challenge of determining what constitutes the "best" words and order within a poem.

When Drinkwater states that there can be no proof of a poem's composition being the best, he is emphasizing that the evaluation of poetry is not a matter of empirical evidence or objective measures. Instead, it is a matter of personal conviction, shaped by one's individual knowledge and judgment. This aligns with the idea that the appreciation and interpretation of poetry are subjective and can vary widely from person to person.

The quote also raises questions about the role of context and personal experience in shaping one's judgment of a poem. A reader's knowledge of literary conventions, historical context, and personal experiences all contribute to their judgment of a poem's quality. Furthermore, the quote suggests that the process of evaluating poetry is deeply personal and cannot be reduced to a simple formula or set of criteria.

In a broader sense, the quote speaks to the nature of art and creativity. It acknowledges that the assessment of artistic works, including poetry, cannot be reduced to a set of objective standards or measurements. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of individual perception, interpretation, and emotional response in evaluating the merit of a poem.

John Drinkwater's quote reminds us that the beauty and power of poetry lie in its ability to evoke unique and personal responses in each reader. It challenges us to recognize and embrace the subjective nature of literary evaluation, and to appreciate the diversity of perspectives that shape our understanding and appreciation of poetry.

Ultimately, this quote serves as a reminder of the richness and complexity of poetry, and the unique connection that each individual forms with a poetic work. It encourages us to approach poetry with an open mind, acknowledging the diversity of opinions and interpretations that contribute to the ongoing dialogue about the value and significance of poetic expression.