The idea of how to read a poem is based on the idea that poetry needs you as a reader. That the experience of poetry, the meaning in poetry is a kind of circuit that takes place between a poet, a poem and a reader and that meaning doesn't exist or in here in poems alone.

I would keep in mind to a young poet that you are entering into something that is very important, that has always been important in terms of human concerns.

Now, I do say, "It's possible. You might be the first. I'm not saying it's impossible, but the odds are very much against you." All great poets have been great readers and the way to learn your craft in poetry is by reading other poetry and by letting it guide you.

Works of art imitate and provoke other works of art, the process is the source of art itself.

I just think that limits the kinds of experiences that people can have with poetry. But, poetry will survive; I don't worry about that. But, I do think that it may save fewer souls if people can't pay attention.

I don't think poetry will die, but I think that poetry does demand a certain kind of attention to language.

There's the brilliant audacity of youth that poets strike upon in their earliest work sometimes that they never can hit upon again.