Edmund Waller: 'Poets lose half the praise they should have got, Could it be known what they discreetly blot.'

Poets lose half the praise they should have got, Could it be known what they discreetly blot.

In his famous quote, Edmund Waller suggests that poets often don't receive the full recognition they deserve because readers are only aware of their published works and not the pieces they choose to withhold. Waller's words shed light on the hidden struggles and sacrifices behind the creative process. The quote captures the notion that poets, like all artists, carefully curate their work and often erase, omit, or hide certain aspects that they deem unworthy or incongruent with their desired image or message. This process of self-censorship, while potentially diluting the impact of their poetry, is an integral part of an artist's journey.It is not uncommon for individuals to wonder what artistic masterpieces lay hidden in the archives of great poets like William Shakespeare, Robert Frost, or Maya Angelou. However, Waller's quote takes this curiosity a step further by implying that even the published works themselves may represent only a fraction of the poet's true potential. The notion that poets "lose half the praise they should have got" due to their discretion invites us to explore the hidden aspects of their art and question the impact that unshared creations might have had on their reputation.This concept of discreetly blotting one's work raises an intriguing philosophical question: What happens to the artistic world beyond what is visible? While published poetry allows us to glimpse into a poet's mind, it is quite possible that the real depth and essence of their artistry lie in the realms of the unknown, concealed beneath layers of erased verses and discarded musings. The act of discreetly blotting can be seen as an act of self-refinement, a process through which poets hone their craft and refine their expression. By withholding certain pieces, they shape their public image and direct attention towards what they consider their finest creations.However, one cannot help but wonder about the lost possibilities and the impact those concealed verses could have had on the world. What if the poems discarded or suppressed were the very ones that could have resonated deeply with audiences, shifting paradigms and catalyzing change? Such ponderings lead us to appreciate the delicate balance between the poet's public face and their unshared thoughts—between what is presented to the world and what remains hidden in the shadows.The quote also begs the question: Does an artist owe anything to their audience? Is it fair for poets to selectively reveal only a fraction of their work, depriving the world of potentially transformative poetry while safeguarding their artistic integrity? On the one hand, one could argue that artists have a right to maintain creative autonomy and decide which pieces align with their artistic vision. On the other hand, by limiting the public's access to their true range of work, poets deny their audience the chance to fully appreciate their genius.Ultimately, Waller's quote serves as a reminder that the creative process is multifaceted and encompasses far more than what meets the eye. Behind the published works lie a multitude of choices, omissions, and discreet blotting that shape the artist's identity and their impact on the world. As readers, we can only experience a fraction of the poet's brilliance, leaving us to imagine the untold stories hidden beneath the surface. Thus, the next time we encounter a beautiful poem, let us not only celebrate what is presented to us but also ponder the seemingly lost half that remains discreetly blotted.