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Februāris 3., 2003
 | 05:47 - leonard cohen, working on
Stephen: What is your opinion on the proposition that "the visions of poets may teach those who do not want to know it that there is more in shadow than in light"?
Leonard Cohen: Dear Stephen, I don't think the poet has a mission. I think that activity more appropriately applies to the priest, the teacher, the politician, and the warrior. As my friend Layton wrote: "Whatever else, poetry is freedom." It seems a very aggressive proposition to teach someone something they don't want to learn.
Lizzie: As a writer of poetry, I come across a lot of people who 'write poems' and call themselves 'poets'. I have always subscribed to something you wrote along the lines of "the title of poet is something that is bestowed by others and not something bestowed on oneself" and so have refused to call myself 'poet' and await, and await the bestowing!!
Leonard Cohen: Dear Lizzie, I once said "poetry is a verdict, not an intention" but I wouldn't take the matter too seriously. We can call ourselves whatever we want.
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