You learned in school that you have pencils and paper only because the trees gave themselves in unconditional sacrifice.

Sometimes family members will ask to be kept out of certain things that I'm writing, and I try to respect that. I'd much rather have relatives than a book.

Someone has said that nations have interests, they don't have friends, and you see that over and over in U.S. policy.

Here, though, there is nothing. Nothing at all. The sky seems empty even when I am looking at the moon and stars.

Pretend that this is a time of miracles and we believe in them.

People often think of Haiti as a place where you're not supposed to have any joy. I wanted to show that this is a place with joy.

I also know there are timeless waters, endless seas, and lots of people in this world whose names don't matter to anyone but themselves. I look up at the sky and I see you there.