There is a way of beholding nature which is a form of prayer, a way of minding something with such clarity and aliveness that the rest of the world recedes. It . . . gives the brain a small vacation.

For the longest time I didn't realize I was creative - I just thought I was strange.

Above all, we ask the poet to teach us a way of seeing.

Words are small shapes in the gorgeous chaos of the world.

Love is the best school, but the tuition is high and the homework can be painful.

Don't just live the length of your life - live the width of it as well.

Because we can't escape our ancient hunger to live close to nature, we encircle the house with lawns and gardens, install picture windows, adopt pets and Boston ferns, and scent everything that touches our lives.