A poet is, before anything else, a person who is passionately in love with language.

In this quote, W. H. Auden emphasizes that the essence of being a poet is rooted in a deep and passionate love for language. For Auden, a poet is not just someone who writes verses or composes structured forms, but someone who is profoundly connected to the power and beauty of words themselves. This love goes beyond the functional use of language to convey meaning; it is an emotional and artistic connection to how words sound, how they flow, and the emotional resonance they can evoke in the reader.

The quote suggests that language is the poet's primary medium of expression, and this relationship is one of intense devotion. A poet is driven by the desire to explore the full range of linguistic possibilities—to manipulate syntax, metaphor, and sound to create something that transcends everyday communication. The poet’s passion for language, in Auden’s view, is the foundation of their creative process, allowing them to craft poems that reveal deeper truths about the human experience and the world.

Auden's perspective on poetry highlights the importance of linguistic craft and aesthetic sensitivity in the making of art. Rather than focusing solely on the themes or messages of the poem, Auden elevates the form and texture of language itself as a central aspect of poetry. For a poet, language is not merely a tool for conveying ideas, but an end in itself—something to be savored, experimented with, and revered. In this sense, Auden’s quote redefines poetry as an art form that values the beauty of language almost as much as the meaning it conveys.

The origin of the quote comes from W. H. Auden, one of the most influential poets of the 20th century. Auden's work is known for its intellectual depth, social commentary, and complex use of language. Throughout his career, Auden emphasized the role of the poet not only as a commentator on society but as a craftsman of words, highlighting the importance of language as a conduit for expressing human emotions, struggles, and insights. This quote encapsulates his belief that a poet’s relationship with language is not just functional but deeply personal and passionate.