It is axiomatic that if we do not define ourselves for ourselves, we will be defined by others-for their use and to our detriment.

For within livin structures defined by profit, by linear power, by institutional dehumanization, our feelings were not meant to survive. Kept around as unavoidable adjuncts or pleasant pastimes, our feelings were expected to kneel to thought as women were expected to kneel to men. But women have survived. As poets.

What I most regretted were my silences. Of what had I ever been afraid?

I learned so much from listening to people. And all I knew was, the only thing I had was honesty and openness.

The master's tools will never dismantle the master's house.

When we speak we are afraid our words will not be heard or welcomed. But when we are silent, we are still afraid. So it is better to speak.

The erotic is a measure between the beginnings of our sense of self and the chaos of our strongest feelings.