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

poetry had everything to teach me about life.

In the winter, I enjoy cross-country skiing and raising orchids and amaryllises. If I could grow tropical flowers as perennials, I would, especially hibiscus and mandavilla.

My mother always said I must be part Mongolian because of my lotus-pale complexion and squid-ink black hair.

Writing is my form of celebration and prayer.

There is a furnace in our cells, and when we breathe we pass the world through our bodies, brew it lightly, and turn it loose again, gently altered for having known us.

Happiness doesn't require laughter, only well-being and a sense that the world is breaking someone else's heart, not mine.