Meaning: This quote by the renowned poet John Ashbery offers an insightful perspective on the nature of poetry and the creative process. Ashbery’s view of poetry as an ongoing and evolving entity reflects the idea that poetry is not a static, finished product but rather a dynamic and continuous process. In this quote, Ashbery suggests that poetry is not confined to the words printed on a page; instead, it is a living, breathing presence that exists within the mind of the poet, constantly evolving and taking on new forms.

The statement "I don't look on poetry as closed works" indicates Ashbery's belief that poetry is not limited to the boundaries of a finished poem or collection. Instead, he sees poetry as an open and boundless form of expression, one that is not constrained by traditional notions of completion or finality. This perspective aligns with the idea that art, including poetry, is an ongoing and evolving process that is never truly finished.

When Ashbery mentions that he feels the poems are "going on all the time in my head," he provides insight into the internal creative process. This implies that the act of composing poetry is not confined to specific moments of inspiration or writing sessions but is a continuous and ongoing mental activity. It suggests that poetry is always present in the poet's thoughts, waiting to be captured and articulated.

The metaphor of "occasionally snip off a length" offers a vivid image of the poet's role in capturing and shaping the ongoing flow of poetry in their mind. This metaphor suggests that the act of writing poetry is akin to capturing a fragment of a larger, constantly evolving entity. The poet, in this view, plays the role of a curator or editor, selecting and shaping snippets of the ongoing poetic flow into tangible, written expressions.

Ashbery's approach to poetry as a living, evolving entity aligns with the broader concept of art as a process rather than a product. It reflects the idea that the creative act of writing poetry is not just about producing finished works, but also about engaging with the ongoing, ever-changing nature of artistic expression. This perspective invites readers to consider poetry not merely as a static artifact, but as a living, breathing form of human expression that is continually in flux.

In conclusion, John Ashbery's quote offers a thought-provoking perspective on the nature of poetry, emphasizing its ongoing and dynamic presence in the poet's mind. By portraying poetry as a continuous, evolving process rather than a series of closed works, Ashbery invites us to view poetry through a lens of perpetual creativity and transformation. This quote serves as a reminder that poetry, like all art, is not confined to static forms or finished products but is a vibrant and ever-evolving expression of the human experience.