The scientists that frequent these pages may be more familiar with the theory that the average person uses only 8% of his brain. The uber-genius that can tap into 10 or 15% is capable of bending spoons and levitation. Though I can't attribute that or validate it in any way, I'll use it to describe the poet. The average writer fulfills about 8% of the potential of his words. Case in point. The poet is gifted with the ability to use her words to make them mean more than the average reader can immediately, or ever fully, comprehend. We're not talking about distorted silverware here, we're talking distilled human experience.

Po*et"ic (?), Po*et"ic*al (?), a. [L. poeticus, Gr. : cf. F. po'etiquee.]

1.

Of or pertaining to poetry; suitable for poetry, or for writing poetry; as, poetic talent, theme, work, sentiments.

Shak.

2.

Expressed in metrical form; exhibiting the imaginative or the rhythmical quality of poetry; as, a poetical composition; poetical prose.

Poetic license. See License, n., 4.

 

© Webster 1913.

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