[Roger Slater]

You remind me of a Chuck Close quote that I like. It begins with the words "Inspiration is for amateurs."

I remain of the opinion that "I write or try to write poems from time to time" and "I am a poet" are consistent. If Richard Wilbur or Anthony Hecht ever experienced writers block, they were still poets while it was happening.

But again, I don't attribute any romantic notions about the word "poet," and among those I happily call "poets" are those who are mind-bogglingly bad at it, utterly lacking in talent or judgment. What I object to is the sanctification of the word such that people whose poems you don't care for may be called vain or boastful for daring to call themselves poets. The term is not an award, but a bland description that applies even to those who don't meet arbitrary levels of prolificity or empyrean splendor.