Interesting question about the motivations and ambitions of poets. I certainly admire those who write simply because the spirit (or demon) moves them, but I suspect many creative souls are partly motivated by the desire for immortality. Horace, Derzhavin and Pushkin wrote their “monument” poems, and Shakespeare said his verses would live “as long as men can breathe or eyes can see.” If that’s what puts a fire in your belly, let it work for you. Or, if you think Shakespeare has cornered the market, do something else, but if you don’t want to stand on the shoulders of giants, look for a very young field to make your mark in.
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