Because I write intuitively and image-by-image and moment-by-moment, my writing has to be powered by feelings and emotions.

Magical realism as a declaration in the text is usually when someone can't speak and then they must be magically reinvigorated in some way.

Whenever I went to an historical moment that was sad or where something terrible happened, it was, for me, a learning moment, a teaching moment for those who survived.

I think poetry can lead to policy, and I can hear the laughter when I say that.

I usually feel something before I know it.

If you're just mired in privilege, there's nothing to learn; learning appears to be over.

Once I became historically aware, I realized there are these formative moments of history tied around tragedy and disaster and sacrifice, that led people to survive and take stock and move on with some kind of notion of betterment.