I defer to all these other American poets who, for some reason, I both envy and admire.

You don't help people in your poems. I've been trying to help people all my life - that's my trouble

This morning of the small snow I count the blessings, the leak in the faucet which makes of the sink time, the drop of the water on water.

I hope you're representing the devil's advocate.

Whatever you have to say, leave The roots on, let them Dangle And the dirt Just to make clear Where they come from.

I was playing catch with the European audience.

All that matters is that the thing be the thing of the thing.