The puzzle and conundrums of Emily Dickinson's poetry or The Cantos, by Ezra Pound, is infinitely pleasurable. Or Ronald Johnson's Ark. And the experience extends a whole lifetime. But the intensity of certain vocalized language affects our bodies in a particular way, and that further actualization propels me. The Greeks explored this; there were very particular meters used in making war, different ones for a love chant.

It's so rich as a trope - the whole idea of the road and it being in terms of language, being an active experience.

We can think for ourselves and we can awaken the world to a greater consciousness.

The whole red state/blue state thing is very interesting. Watching that shift over the years.

One has to be cautious and respectful of the power of the "substance" guides. I don't advocate imbibing the "little saint children," as Maria Sabina calls the magic mushrooms, or anything else for everyone. I find that certain substances reconnect me to a primal context of purpose that goes beyond identity and ownership. The writing-when I've worked it this way-is the kind of information you take back from dreams. Or it's hypnotic writing rather than getting off on some sort of pleasure trip or intellectual trip.

I think anything that gets people outside [is good] - I'm a big supporter of public parks and public spaces.

My older brother was involved in the folk movement. We would gather every weekend in Washington Park. The folk songs were so important to my reality.