Meaning: This quote by E.M. Forster, the renowned English novelist, encapsulates a profound exploration of the essence of poetry and its ability to transcend the tangible world. Through these words, Forster expresses a desire for poetry that delves into the intangible, the ineffable, and the elusive aspects of human experience. This quote invites us to contemplate the nature of poetry and its capacity to capture the elusive elements of existence that lie beyond the physical realm.

Forster's assertion that the poetry he seeks resides in objects man can't touch suggests a yearning for poetry that goes beyond the physical, tangible world. It implies a desire for verse that reaches into the realm of the abstract, the emotional, and the spiritual. By emphasizing the limitations of touch, Forster highlights the inadequacy of the physical senses in fully comprehending the depth and breadth of human experience. He invites us to consider poetry as a means of accessing and expressing the intangible aspects of our lives that elude direct perception.

In this quote, Forster challenges the conventional notion of poetry as solely concerned with the observable and palpable aspects of the world. Instead, he advocates for a more expansive understanding of poetry that encompasses the unseen, the unfelt, and the unspoken. By doing so, he elevates poetry to a higher plane of significance, one that transcends the boundaries of the material world and delves into the mysteries of human consciousness and emotion.

Forster's perspective on poetry reflects a deep appreciation for its capacity to evoke profound emotions and insights that surpass the limitations of the physical senses. The "objects" he refers to are not tangible entities but rather symbolic representations of the intangible aspects of existence – love, longing, loss, beauty, and the human spirit. By seeking poetry in these immaterial "objects," Forster underscores the transformative power of verse to illuminate the innermost recesses of the human soul.

Furthermore, Forster's quote suggests that the poetry he seeks is rooted in the realm of imagination and symbolism. It implies a departure from the literal and a journey into the realm of metaphor, allegory, and transcendence. By emphasizing the inability of man to touch these poetic objects, Forster alludes to the elusive, enigmatic nature of the human experience, which poetry has the capacity to illuminate and elucidate.

In essence, Forster's quote encapsulates a profound meditation on the nature and purpose of poetry. It challenges us to expand our understanding of poetry beyond the confines of the physical world and to recognize its potential to capture the ineffable, the transcendent, and the intangible aspects of human existence. By seeking poetry in objects that cannot be touched, Forster invites us to embark on a journey of poetic discovery that transcends the boundaries of the material world and delves into the depths of the human spirit.