The truest writers are those who see language not as a linguistic process but as a living element.

Americans are not brought up with meter. They're not brought up with poetry. If you try to get them to recite, they're too embarrassed.

Who cares about a kid from the Midwest writing pentameter? It's stupid.

How can I turn from Africa and live?

I read; I travel; I become

There's always more to see.

The truth is that the poems are ecstatic.