The night kept coming on in and there was nothing I could do.

If something burns your soul with purpose and desire, it’s your duty to be reduced to ashes by it. Any other form of existence will be yet another dull book in the library of life.

there was something about that city, though it didn't let me feel guilty that I had no feeling for the things so many others needed. it let me alone.

There's a bluebird in my heart that wants to get out but I'm too tough for him, I say, stay in there, I'm not going to let anybody see you.

As a recluse I couldn't bear traffic. It had nothing to do with jealousy, I simply disliked people, crowds, anywhere, except at my readings. People diminished me, they sucked me dry.

Banion wondered which was worse - being sodomized by aliens, or having to sit through two hours of Charles Ives.

there's no defense except all the errors made