poetry has been able to function quite directly as human interpretation of the raw, loose universe. It is a mixture, if you will, of journalism and metaphysics, or of science and religion.

Every book has an intrinsic impossibility, which its writer discovers as soon as his first excitement dwindles.

At night I read and write, and things I have never understood become clear; I reap the harvest of the rest of the year's planting

A schedule defends from chaos and whim. A net for catching days.

I would like to live. . . open to time and death painlessly, noticing everything, remembering nothing, choosing the given with a fierce and pointed will.

The Pulitzer is more useful than meaningful.

If we listened to our intellect, we’d never have a love affair... or go into business. You’ve got to jump off cliffs and build your wings on the way down.