That element of surprise is not often done really well in lots of poetry I've read. Some times it seems contrived , you can tell the writer is specifically trying to shock or jolt you with some "truth". It is great when it is authentic, and honest. Leaves you changed. Two writers I love for that kind of off-handed honesty are Bukowski and Tolstoy . Bukowski is more of a "oh this poem is whatever, not very good.... oh damn " while Tolstoy is sort of a "nonchalantly mention something really astute about human nature and then continue the story without arrogantly reiterating it five times to show how smart you are " . This reminded me of that.
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Terrific company, thanks for mentioning my poetry in the same sentence as Masters.
I know it’s an indication that a poem is working if I’m not straining for feeling.
I like what you say about “off-handed honesty” Here’s an echo of sorts:
Truth is a compliment paid to sentences seen to be paying their own way. —Richard Rorty