Always be a poet, even in prose

Always be a poet, even in prose

Charles Baudelaire, the renowned French poet and essayist, is often credited with the quote, "Always be a poet, even in prose." This statement encapsulates Baudelaire's belief in the power of language and the importance of infusing creativity and beauty into all forms of writing.

Baudelaire was a key figure in the literary movement known as symbolism, which sought to convey emotions and ideas through symbolic imagery and metaphorical language. His poetry, particularly in his seminal work "Les Fleurs du Mal" (The Flowers of Evil), is characterized by its rich imagery, evocative language, and exploration of themes such as beauty, love, and the human experience.

However, Baudelaire's influence extends beyond his poetry to his prose writing as well. In his essays and critical writings, Baudelaire demonstrated a keen understanding of the power of language to evoke emotion and provoke thought. He believed that even in non-poetic forms of writing, such as essays or criticism, one should strive to imbue their words with beauty and creativity.

For Baudelaire, being a poet was not just about writing verse, but about approaching all forms of writing with a poetic sensibility. This meant paying attention to the rhythm and musicality of language, using vivid imagery and metaphor, and seeking to capture the essence of human experience in all its complexity.

In his essay "The Painter of Modern Life," Baudelaire writes about the importance of finding beauty in everyday life and seeking inspiration in the world around us. He encourages artists and writers to cultivate a poetic vision, to see the world through the eyes of a poet, and to infuse their work with a sense of wonder and imagination.