A poem gives me a chance to have an encounter with a feeling, with an experience, with a wish, with an idea.

In this quote, Tracy K. Smith, an American poet and former U.S. Poet Laureate, highlights the transformative power of poetry. She suggests that a poem provides the opportunity to engage deeply with various human experiences, emotions, and ideas. Through poetry, she feels that one can have an encounter with something intangible—whether it's a feeling, a wish, or a profound idea—allowing the reader or writer to experience it in a unique and personal way. This encounter is not just intellectual but emotional, offering a deep connection to the subject matter.

Smith emphasizes that poetry is not merely a form of expression but a way of experiencing the world. By writing or reading a poem, one can engage with feelings and concepts in a more intimate and introspective way, allowing them to explore and reflect on their own inner world. The idea is that poems offer a space for emotional and intellectual exploration, where both the poet and the reader can encounter and reflect on feelings and experiences they may not fully understand in other contexts.

The origin of this quote stems from Smith's own experiences as a poet who uses language to explore the complexities of the human condition. Her poetry often grapples with themes of identity, race, history, and personal reflection. Smith views poems as a way to give form to abstract emotions and experiences, allowing them to become more tangible and accessible. Through her work, she seeks to create spaces for connection and reflection on complex ideas and feelings.

Ultimately, Smith’s quote captures the essence of poetry as a means of connection to deeper aspects of life. By framing poetry as a tool for encountering emotions and ideas, she emphasizes its role in both personal and collective exploration, offering a way to engage with the world in a manner that is both reflective and dynamic.