* Passion for language: Eliot had a deep love of language and literature from a young age. He began writing poetry in his early teens, and continued to do so throughout his life.
* Influence of other poets: Eliot was inspired by the work of other poets, particularly the imagists and symbolists. He admired their innovative use of language and imagery, and incorporated some of their techniques into his own writing.
* Personal experiences: Eliot's life experiences also influenced his poetry. He wrote about his own struggles with mental health, his relationship with his wife, and his observations of the modern world.
* Desire for self-expression: Eliot used poetry as a way to express his thoughts and feelings about the world around him. He found that poetry allowed him to say things that he could not say in any other way.
Ultimately, it is impossible to say definitively why T.S. Eliot became a poet. It was likely a combination of many factors, including his passion for language, his admiration for other poets, his personal experiences, and his desire for self-expression.