Really interesting thread.
I think it was one of those Dead French Guys who said, perfect is the enemy of good. Being a neurotic and a perfectionist, I think that's a bunch of hoo haw, but it sounds good.
When I think of the word 'perfect' I think of diamonds, gemstones, the golden mean, mathematical formulas, roses, orchids, and all the sacred texts and creation myths seem to mention perfection. And all of them do seem to speak to symmetry, balance, etc., which has come up so often here when discussing the perfect poem. But what of classical music ? We also think of newborns as perfect, and I suppose that often means having ten fingers and toes. Seems perfection, whether it exists in the disciplines, or not, and no matter how we balk at the word, is all wrapped up in our hunger for balance and form. Where is Mark to say that is anti- nature ??? But not necessarily...
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Let chaos storm !
Let cloud shapes swarm !
I wait for form.
(Frost)
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