Meaning: The quote "Poetry is ordinary language raised to the Nth power. Poetry is boned with ideas, nerved and blooded with emotions, all held together by the delicate, tough skin of words" by Paul Engle encapsulates the essence of poetry and its transformative power. Paul Engle, an American poet, critic, and teacher, eloquently captures the essence of poetry in this profound statement.

Engle's assertion that "poetry is ordinary language raised to the Nth power" suggests that poetry elevates and transcends the confines of everyday language. While ordinary language serves as a means of communication, poetry takes language to new heights, imbuing it with heightened meaning, emotion, and imagery. Through the skillful use of metaphor, symbolism, rhythm, and other literary devices, poets enrich and intensify language, creating a more potent and evocative form of expression. In this way, poetry serves as a vehicle for exploring complex human experiences and emotions, allowing for a deeper and more nuanced understanding of the world.

The subsequent statement, "Poetry is boned with ideas, nerved and blooded with emotions, all held together by the delicate, tough skin of words," further elucidates Engle's view of poetry as a multifaceted and intricate art form. Here, Engle emphasizes the intellectual and emotional underpinnings of poetry, suggesting that it is not merely a collection of pretty words, but rather a structure built upon profound ideas and deeply felt emotions. The metaphor of poetry being "boned with ideas" portrays it as having a strong and enduring framework, rooted in intellectual substance. Additionally, the description of poetry as "nerved and blooded with emotions" conveys the vitality and emotional intensity that infuses poetic expression. It highlights the raw, visceral quality of poetry, as it taps into the depths of human experience, stirring the senses and eliciting profound emotional responses.

Moreover, Engle's depiction of poetry as "held together by the delicate, tough skin of words" underscores the delicate balance between the form and content of poetry. The choice of words in poetry is crucial, as they not only convey meaning but also contribute to the overall aesthetic and emotional impact of the work. The "delicate, tough skin of words" evokes the idea that poetry is both fragile and resilient, with each word serving as a building block that contributes to the cohesion and strength of the poem. The use of language in poetry is deliberate and precise, as poets carefully select and arrange words to create a harmonious interplay of sound and meaning.

In conclusion, Paul Engle's quote encapsulates the essence of poetry as a transcendent and multifaceted art form that elevates ordinary language to extraordinary heights. His insightful portrayal of poetry as a fusion of ideas, emotions, and words serves to underscore the depth and complexity of poetic expression, highlighting its capacity to resonate with readers on intellectual, emotional, and aesthetic levels. Engle's words remind us of the enduring power of poetry to inspire, provoke, and illuminate the human experience.