A good poem is a contribution to reality. The world is never the same once a good poem has been added to it. A good poem helps to change the shape of the universe, helps to extend everyone's knowledge of himself and the world around him.

My birthday began with the water - Birds and the birds of the winged trees flying my name.

Hands have not tears to flow.

And time cast forth my mortal creature To drift or drown upon the seas Acquainted with the salt adventure Of tides that never touch the shores. - I who was rich was made the richer By sipping at the the vine of days.

I've just had eighteen straight whiskies. I think that's the record.

The moment of a miracle is unending lightning.

And I rose In rainy autumn And walked abroad in a shower of all my days.