Often one spends weeks trying to write a poem out of....

“ Often one spends weeks trying to write a poem out of the conscious mind that never comes to anything - these are sort of 'ideal' poems that one feels ought to be written, but don't because (I fancy) they lack the vital spark of self-interest. A 'real' poem is a pleasure to write. ”

Philip Larkin

From : Philip Larkin: Letters to Monica