Meaning: Philip Levine, an American poet known for his powerful and poignant works, once expressed the sentiment, "Now I think poetry will save nothing from oblivion, but I keep writing about the ordinary because for me it's the home of the extraordinary, the only home." This quote encapsulates Levine's belief in the transformative power of poetry and his dedication to capturing the beauty and significance of everyday life.

Levine's assertion that poetry will not save anything from oblivion reflects a certain resignation about the limitations of art in the face of mortality and the passage of time. Despite this acknowledgment, he maintains his commitment to writing about the ordinary, emphasizing its importance as the "home of the extraordinary." This perspective sheds light on Levine's artistic philosophy and the themes that permeate his poetry.

Throughout his career, Levine often depicted the lives of working-class individuals and sought to illuminate the profound humanity and resilience within their everyday experiences. He found inspiration in the mundane, believing that within the seemingly ordinary lies the potential for profound insight and emotional resonance. By focusing on the lives of ordinary people, Levine aimed to elevate their stories and struggles, emphasizing their intrinsic value and the universal truths they embody.

In the context of this quote, Levine's emphasis on the ordinary as the "home of the extraordinary" suggests that he views poetry as a means of uncovering the hidden depths and inherent significance of commonplace subjects. He sees poetry as a tool for magnifying the beauty and complexity of ordinary life, transforming the seemingly mundane into something extraordinary. By doing so, he challenges the notion that only grand or dramatic narratives are worthy of artistic exploration, advocating for a deeper appreciation of the everyday and the inherent poetry found within it.

Furthermore, Levine's assertion that the ordinary is "the only home" of the extraordinary highlights his unwavering commitment to portraying the richness of everyday existence. This sentiment reflects his belief that the most profound and enduring truths are often found in the fabric of ordinary life, rather than in the extraordinary or exceptional. Through his poetry, Levine endeavors to capture and preserve the nuances of daily existence, recognizing the extraordinary within the seemingly commonplace.

In essence, Levine's quote encapsulates his profound reverence for the ordinary and his unwavering belief in the power of poetry to illuminate its significance. By embracing the ordinary as the wellspring of the extraordinary, he invites readers to reconsider their perceptions of the world around them and to recognize the inherent beauty and depth present in their everyday experiences. His words serve as a testament to the enduring power of poetry to imbue the ordinary with extraordinary meaning, offering a poignant reminder of the richness and complexity that permeate our daily lives.