Do Poets Remember Their Own Poems?

There is a common belief that poets are experts in their own work and should remember every word they have written. However, this is not always the case. Many poets do not remember their poems line by line or stanza by stanza, and this is perfectly normal.

General Perspective

From my personal experience, I rarely remember the poems I have written. I have composed numerous short poems to girls who are now my exes, friends, or my current girlfriend. Despite writing so many poems, keeping a record of them has never been a priority due to my carelessness. Only a few of them have been stored, and it is only those which I can recall now.

It can vary from poet to poet. Some may have a keen interest in remembering and recording their work, while others may not. As William Wordsworth once said, "Poetry is a spontaneous flow of emotional feelings recollected in tranquility." Poets often write or recite poetry spontaneously in response to a topic, image, or event, and it is natural for them to not remember every word later.

Specific Examples

Notable Poets
Historically, some famous poets like W.H. Auden, T.S. Eliot, and Pablo Neruda have written countless poems, many of which are often forgotten. It is not uncommon for even renowned poets to have difficulty recalling the details of their work.

Folk Poets and Storytellers
Folk poets and bards, on the other hand, often commit their work to memory as part of their performance. However, this is a unique tradition and not every poet follows it. The act of reciting poems line by line is more about performance and less about content retention.

Conclusion

It is important to understand that memory fades, and this is true for poets as well. There is no shame in not remembering one's own poetry. As long as the poet continues to create and share their work, their absent-mindedness is not a reflection of their talent or dedication. Avoid looking down upon poets who do not remember their poems, as it is a natural and common occurrence.