I realize that if I wait until I am no longer afraid to act, write, speak, be, I'll be sending messages on a Ouija board, cryptic complaints from the other side

Next time, ask: What's the worst that will happen? Then push yourself a little further than you dare.

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

To encourage excellence is to go beyond the encouraged mediocrity of our society

Your silence will not protect you.

I am not just a lesbian. I am not just a poet. I am not just a mother. Honor the complexity of your vision and yourselves.

You will never be able to defend your city while shouting.