This is one of my favorite poets. His name is Seamus Heaney. This is an interview I found while working on a research paper. He says that poetry, as an artistic/literary form, is unique in that it can capture a, "snapshot of consciousness."
I often try to think of songwriting as an extension of poetry, and I think that is a good way to think about what happens with some songs. They capture a picture of what a particular person/character in a particular position in thought. A lot of times when I go wrong is when I try to capture too wide a range. Of course, a certain range of emotion or thought can be seen in any snapshot of consciousness. If, as Kierkegaard said, "Purity of heart is to will one thing," then I know I'm rarely ever pure at heart. But anyways, poetry has the ability to express that range.
-Aaron
Here's the video:
