The sea is as near as we come to another world.

Poets should ignore most criticism and get on with making poetry.

There is far too much literary criticism of the wrong kind. That is why I never could have survived as an academic.

Sylvia Plath was just a month and a half older than I, and when she committed suicide I was only 30 - and very shocked and sorry. I never knew her personally.

I dislike literary jargon and never use it. Criticism has only one function and that is to help readers read and understand literature. It is not a science, it is an aid to art.

Yes, I do often write poems from the mind, but I hope I don't ignore feelings and emotions.

A hobbyhorse can be a tiring ride for nonenthusiasts.