Meaning: The quote "You pay your money, you take your choice. I get the audience my language attracts and I lose the ones it repels" by David Antin, a poet, can be interpreted in various ways, reflecting the complexity of language, communication, and audience engagement.

At its core, this quote speaks to the idea that when individuals communicate, they are making a conscious choice about the language they use, and by extension, the audience they attract or repel. In a broader sense, it touches on the concept of audience reception, the impact of language, and the role of personal agency in communication.

When Antin refers to "paying your money," he is metaphorically alluding to the investment one makes in their choice of language. Communication is not simply a transactional act, but rather a deliberate selection of words, tone, and style that carries inherent value. This choice reflects the speaker's intentions, beliefs, and identity, and it comes with consequences.

The notion of "taking your choice" underscores the agency and responsibility inherent in communication. Individuals have the autonomy to shape their language, but they must also accept the outcomes that result from their linguistic choices. This highlights the dynamic nature of communication, where the speaker's decisions directly influence the reception of their message.

Antin's acknowledgment that he "gets the audience [his] language attracts" and "loses the ones it repels" underscores the inherent polarizing nature of language. Every linguistic choice has the potential to resonate with some individuals while alienating others. This recognition speaks to the power and limitations of language, as well as the inevitability of audience segmentation based on linguistic preferences and affinities.

From a poet's perspective, this quote also reflects the nuanced relationship between language and artistic expression. Poets, in particular, grapple with the challenge of crafting language that is evocative, resonant, and authentic to their creative vision. In doing so, they inherently draw in certain audiences while pushing away others who may not align with their poetic style or thematic focus.

In a broader societal context, this quote resonates with the complexities of communication in an increasingly diverse and interconnected world. As individuals navigate various social, cultural, and professional spheres, they must grapple with the repercussions of their linguistic choices. Language can serve as a unifying force, bringing together like-minded individuals, while also acting as a divisive factor, creating barriers between those who resonate with the message and those who feel excluded or alienated.

The quote by David Antin encapsulates the inherent tension and dynamism of language and communication. It serves as a reminder of the multifaceted impact of linguistic choices, the agency of the speaker, and the diverse reception of messages within different audiences. Ultimately, it prompts reflection on the power and consequences of language, challenging individuals to consider the implications of their communication choices in shaping their relationships, communities, and broader societal interactions.

In conclusion, David Antin's quote encapsulates the complex interplay between language, audience reception, and personal agency in communication. It underscores the inherent power and consequences of linguistic choices, prompting reflection on the dynamic nature of communication and the diverse impact it has on audiences. This quote serves as a poignant reminder of the intricate relationship between language and human interaction, urging individuals to consider the far-reaching implications of their communication choices.