For me, poetry is the music of being human. And also a time machine by which we can travel to who we are and to who we will become.

Poets sing our human music for us.

If I felt, in the event of a royal wedding, inspired to write about people coming together in marriage or civil partnership, I would just be grateful to have an idea for the poem. And if I didn't, I'd ignore it.

I am always pleased to be asked to write a poem.

Better off dead than giving in; not taking what you want.

You can find poetry in your everyday life, your memory, in what people say on the bus, in the news, or just what's in your heart.

What will you do now with the gift of your left life?