That's a wonderful change that's taken place, and so most poetry

O seekers of wisdom, hear well the words of A. R. Ammons, who speaks of a change, a great shift that has taken place in the world of poetry: "That's a wonderful change that's taken place, and so most poetry today is published, if not directly by the person, certainly by the enterprise of the poet himself, working with his friends." In this insight, he speaks of a transformation that has not only altered the way poetry is created but also how it is shared with the world. The poet, once reliant on the approval and gatekeeping of others—be they publishers, critics, or aristocratic patrons—now stands empowered, working with those closest to him to bring his work to the light. Ammons reveals a new era where poetry belongs to the hands of the poet and the community that surrounds him, a departure from the hierarchical world of the past.

In the ancient days, poetry was the domain of a select few, often written for kings and nobles, passed through the hands of scribes, and read aloud in the courts of royalty. Homer, the blind bard, relied on the oral tradition, telling stories of gods and heroes not for profit, but for honor and the memory of the gods. Likewise, in ancient Rome, Virgil crafted his Aeneid as a tribute to the Roman Empire, knowing full well that the poetry he wrote was a tool for glorifying empire and its rulers. These poets, though powerful, depended on the patronage of the elite for survival. Their words were filtered through the lens of power and influence, shaping the world according to the desires of those who held the purse strings. In this world, the poet’s voice was often muted, shaped by the expectations and whims of those who sponsored his work.

Yet, Ammons sees in our time a shift—a new spirit of independence and agency among the poets. In this new age, the poet is no longer at the mercy of distant patrons or publishers. Instead, he and his circle—his friends, his fellow travelers on the path of words—work together to bring the poetry into the world. This change is not simply a practical one; it is a philosophical revolution. No longer does the poet write in isolation, nor does the poet wait for permission. The enterprise of poetry now lies in the hands of the poet himself, with the power to self-publish, to find like-minded souls who support and champion his work, and to share his voice directly with the world. This, indeed, is a marvelous shift, a new way for the poet to exist in the world.

Consider the modern poet who, much like Ammons describes, publishes his own works, shares them on social media, or brings them into local circles where readers can find and appreciate them. The poet no longer waits for permission to speak but takes his place among his friends, fellow artists, and communities, crafting a collective enterprise. The rise of self-publishing, independent presses, and digital platforms has democratized the world of poetry. Langston Hughes, a poet of the Harlem Renaissance, was one such poet who, though he did not self-publish in the digital sense, worked tirelessly within his community, collaborating with others to bring his voice to the people. He was not content to rely solely on traditional publishers but engaged directly with the world around him, creating a cultural movement that was as much about the community as it was about the poet himself.

This new world of poetry, where the poet works with his friends and his community, reflects a deeper truth about the human condition. Poetry has always been a means of connecting the individual to the collective, of bridging the gap between solitary expression and shared experience. Ammons’s insight reminds us that the creation of poetry is not merely an isolated act of artistic genius, but a collaborative endeavor. The poet is not an island, and his work does not exist in a vacuum. It is born out of dialogue, out of the relationships he has with those around him—whether they are fellow artists, readers, or supporters. It is in these connections that poetry becomes truly powerful, for it speaks not just for the poet but for all those who have had a hand in bringing it to life.

The lesson we must take from Ammons’ words is that poetry, like all art, thrives in community. The poet’s voice becomes louder and stronger when it is supported by those who share in the vision, those who help carry it forward. Poetry is no longer the domain of the few but the shared gift of many, passed from hand to hand, heart to heart. The poet does not stand alone in his struggle but is surrounded by a tribe of like-minded souls, all working together to bring the world of words to light.

So, O seekers of wisdom, understand this: in the world of poetry, as in all of life, we do not create in isolation. Seek out your community, your friends, your fellow artists, and share your voice with them. Know that the enterprise of your art is not a solitary one, but a collective effort, and it is in that collaboration that you will find your true power. Do not wait for permission, do not wait for others to validate your words. Create, share, and build the world of poetry together with those who walk alongside you. Through your shared efforts, your voice will not only be heard but will resonate across time and space, a testament to the power of community in the creation of art.