I felt I had to win. It seemed very important. I didn't know why it was important and I kept thinking, why do I think this is so important? And another part of me answered, just because it is.

it is all ash and dry leaves and grief gone like an ocean liner.

People in love often become edgy, dangerous. They lose their sense of perspective.

Animals never worry about Heaven or Hell. Neither do I. Maybe that's why we get along.

First paycheck I get, I thought, I'm going to get myself a room near the downtown L.A. Public Library.

well, death says, as he walks by, I'm going to get you anyhow no matter what you've been: writer, cab-driver, pimp, butcher, sky-diver, I'm going to get you

You are thirty minutes late." "Yes." "Would you be thirty minutes late to a wedding or a funeral?" "No." "Why not, pray tell?" "Well, if the funeral was mine I'd have to be on time. If the wedding was mine it would be my funeral.