How painful it is to tear my thoughts away from Shakuntala
My body moves forward
My restless heart rushes back
Like the silken pennon on the chariot's standard
Borne against the wind.

-From a translation of Kalidas' Abhijnanashakuntalam


Do poets actually feel the emotions about which they write? Or just make them up, simulate them, think of themselves in situations and create (with the aid of a natural artistic temperament) the most aesthetic reaction to the situation? I rather think the latter. The poet is more concerned with his poem, rather than the person, situation or feelings he is describing.

In the old Hindi song, "Maine Shaayad tumhe pehale bhi kahin Dekha hai", the poet praises his sweetheart saying, "Mere sheron se bhi tum mujhko haseen lagati ho." A compliment reeking of self-importance at first glance, but quite an honest, flattering compliment if one thinks again.