Dr. Sam Friedman - A Poet

Unlike musicians and mathematicians, great poets are not born but made, and the work defeats many. Talent isn't enough, nor is skill with language, nor are high themes and noble thoughts. The great poet is the one who can successfully create himself as a poet by imagining a poetic character, growing into it despite setbacks, then waiting in that character for his subject to discover him.

Dr. Sam Friedman

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/a-poet-5/