But in the finished art of the song the use of words has no connection with the use of words in poetry. – John Drinkwater

If it is an imperfect word, no external circumstance can heighten its value as poetry. – John Drinkwater

We recognise in the finished art, which is the result of these conditions, the best words in the best order – poetry and to put this essential poetry into different classes is impossible. – John Drinkwater