When you're going through something, whether it's a wonderful thing like having a child or a sad thing like losing somebody, you often feel like 'Oh my God, I'm so overwhelmed; I'm dealing with this huge thing on my own.' In fact, poetry's a nice reminder that, no, everybody goes through it. These are universal experiences.

John and I were lucky because our mother was a strong woman with high expectations and a strong sense of values. She encouraged us to pursue things we were interested in and not think about what other people wanted us to do.

I grew up in a household where reading was encouraged. My mother believed in the power of words, and my father obviously did too.

I am, you know, a Democrat through and through. I've always voted Democratic. You know, that is where my heart lies.

Many people remember that spirit that President Kennedy summoned forth. Many people look to me as somebody who embodies that sense of possibility.

The amazing thing about the winners is that none of them really felt that they were doing anything special. They just felt like it was the right thing to do.

In my family in particular, I think, there was a sense we have to work twice as hard.