Meaning: Helen Dunmore's quote about learning from working with other poets, traveling and reading with them, and spending days discussing poems in progress encapsulates the essence of collaboration, shared experience, and the power of the literary community.

In the world of poetry, the act of working with other poets can be an invaluable source of inspiration, growth, and learning. Poetry is often seen as a solitary pursuit, with the image of the poet toiling away in isolation. However, Dunmore's words remind us that the creative process can be enriched through collaboration and interaction with others who share a similar passion for the written word.

When poets come together, whether in person or through written correspondence, there is an opportunity for an exchange of ideas, techniques, and perspectives. Through this exchange, poets can learn from each other, drawing inspiration from different styles, experiences, and voices. By engaging in conversations about poems in progress, poets can offer feedback, constructive criticism, and fresh insights that can help to shape and refine their work.

Furthermore, Dunmore's mention of traveling and reading with other poets highlights the importance of experiencing different cultures, landscapes, and literary traditions. Traveling can provide poets with new sources of inspiration, as they encounter unfamiliar surroundings, people, and ways of life. Additionally, reading with other poets can expose them to a diverse range of poetic voices, styles, and themes, expanding their literary horizons and deepening their understanding of the craft.

The sense of being part of something more powerful than any individual speaks to the idea of the literary community as a collective force that transcends individual talents and achievements. Within this community, poets can find support, encouragement, and a sense of belonging. They can also contribute to this collective energy, adding their own unique perspectives and voices to the rich tapestry of literary expression.

It is through this collective power, this shared experience of engaging with other poets, that the art of poetry is perpetuated and enriched. The connections forged through collaboration, the knowledge gained from shared experiences, and the sense of belonging to a larger creative entity all contribute to the vitality and resilience of poetry as an art form.

In conclusion, Helen Dunmore's quote beautifully encapsulates the idea that poets can learn and grow from their interactions with each other, through collaboration, travel, and the shared experience of engaging with poetry. It underscores the importance of the literary community as a source of inspiration, support, and collective creative energy. By working with other poets, poets can enrich their own creative practice, contribute to the wider literary conversation, and become part of something greater than themselves.