When power narrows the areas of man's concerns, poetry reminds him of the richness and diversity of his existence. When power corrupts, poetry cleanses, for this art establishes the basic human truths which must serve as the cornerstone of our judgement. Frost More often than prose or mathematics, poetry is received in a hostile spirit, as if its publication were an affront to the reader. Michael Roberts, The Faber Book of Modern Verse, 1936.
Poetry is a comforting piece of fiction set to more or less lascivious music.
H.L. Mencken, Prejudices, 1922. Poetry has done enough when it charms, but prose must also convince. H.L. Mencken, Prejudices, 1922.