Meaning: The quote by Russell Baker, a renowned journalist, reflects his disillusionment with contemporary poetry. He expresses his disinterest in new poetry, stating that he gave up on it 30 years ago when he felt that much of it started to read like coded messages exchanged between isolated aliens in an unwelcoming world. This quote encapsulates a sentiment that is not uncommon among individuals who have found themselves disconnected from modern poetry.

Baker's comparison of new poetry to "coded messages passing between lonely aliens" is a powerful and evocative metaphor. It suggests a sense of alienation and estrangement, both from the poetry itself and from the world in which it is created and received. The notion of "lonely aliens in a hostile world" conveys a feeling of isolation and detachment, as if the poets and their works are grappling with their own sense of displacement and alienation within the larger societal context.

It's important to note that Baker's perspective on new poetry is a subjective one, shaped by his own experiences and preferences. While he may have found contemporary poetry to be inaccessible and disconnected, others may find it to be vibrant, expressive, and deeply meaningful. The diversity of opinions and interpretations is an inherent aspect of the arts, including poetry, and it contributes to the richness and complexity of the literary landscape.

Baker's sentiment also raises questions about the evolution of poetry and the changing tastes and sensibilities of readers and writers over time. The fact that he specifically mentions giving up on new poetry 30 years ago suggests a significant shift in the poetic landscape during that period. While he doesn't delve into specific reasons for his disillusionment, it's possible to speculate that changes in poetic styles, themes, and forms may have contributed to his disengagement.

One potential interpretation of Baker's quote is that he perceives contemporary poetry as overly cryptic and obscure, lacking the emotional resonance and direct communication that he values in literature. He may feel that the poets are communicating in a language that feels alien to him, making it difficult for him to connect with their work on a personal or emotional level. This sense of alienation from the poetic discourse may have led him to disengage from new poetry altogether.

It's worth considering the broader cultural and societal context in which Baker's perspective on poetry has developed. The quote reflects not only his individual response to contemporary poetry but also a broader cultural conversation about the accessibility and relevance of poetry in the modern world. The influence of technology, mass media, and rapidly changing social dynamics has undoubtedly shaped the ways in which poetry is created, disseminated, and received. These larger forces may have contributed to the sense of alienation and disconnect that Baker perceives in new poetry.

In conclusion, Russell Baker's quote about giving up on new poetry offers a glimpse into the complexities of individual tastes, evolving artistic forms, and the ever-shifting relationship between poetry and its readers. While his perspective reflects a sense of alienation and disillusionment with contemporary poetry, it also underscores the diversity of responses to artistic expression and the ongoing dialogue about the role of poetry in our lives. This quote invites us to consider the ways in which poetry evolves, resonates, and challenges us, and encourages us to engage critically and empathetically with the rich tapestry of poetic voices that continue to shape our world.