Meaning: This quote by Kenneth Koch, a renowned poet, encapsulates the fundamental difference between poetry and prose. Koch's comparison of poetry to a jewel box that clicks shut and prose to endlessness provides a vivid imagery and insight into the distinct nature of these two literary forms.

Poetry is often characterized by its conciseness and precision. A well-crafted poem is like a jewel box that "clicks shut" upon completion. This imagery suggests a sense of completion and finality, as if the poem has reached its perfect form, much like a jewel box closing securely. The use of the word "clicks" emphasizes the satisfaction and certainty that comes with finishing a poem. It implies a definitive moment of closure, as if the poet has successfully captured and contained their thoughts and emotions within the confines of the poem.

In contrast, Koch describes prose as "endless," highlighting the open-ended and expansive nature of this form of writing. Unlike poetry, which often relies on brevity and intense concentration of language, prose allows for a more expansive and continuous exploration of ideas and narratives. The lack of a definitive "click" suggests that prose writing does not have a clear endpoint or a moment of closure. Instead, it can continue to unfold and expand in various directions, accommodating a multitude of perspectives and experiences without the constraints of poetic form.

Koch's personal reflection on his experience with poetry and prose also adds a touch of humor to the quote. His admission that he "hasn't experienced an awful lot of clicking shut" implies that, as a poet, he may have struggled to achieve that sense of completion and finality in his work. This candid acknowledgment of the challenges of poetic creation offers a glimpse into the complex and often elusive nature of the poetic process.

Kenneth Koch's own body of work reflects his deep engagement with poetry, often characterized by its playfulness, wit, and exploration of everyday experiences. His poems frequently exhibit a sense of spontaneity and an openness to the unpredictable aspects of life. This quote, therefore, can also be seen as a reflection of Koch's poetic philosophy, emphasizing the elusive and ongoing nature of poetic expression.

In conclusion, Koch's quote beautifully captures the essence of poetry and prose, highlighting the contrast between the concise, contained nature of poetry and the expansive, open-ended quality of prose. Through his vivid imagery and personal reflection, Koch offers valuable insight into the distinct ways in which these two literary forms engage with language and experience. His words remind us of the unique pleasures and challenges that come with both reading and writing poetry and prose, inviting us to appreciate the beauty and complexity of each form in its own right.