For the Christian mystics, detachment meant to leave attachment so that God could enter you and take over completely and you could climb the ladder to their heaven. Kind of crazy, but what the hell?

Sometimes a person thinks he's attached to one thing and he's really attached to something else.

If the Buddhist's job is to be detached, I think that the artist's job is to be both detached and attached.

Attachment has to do with suffering, so it's really close to Buddhism, because Buddhism wants to relieve you from suffering; you're supposed to escape from suffering.

The artist looks for a subject. You know, a lot of new poets don't seem to have a subject. I don't totally understand that.

I've been active in a minor way compared to professional activists. I was a labor leader. I led two labor strikes. I've manipulated boards. I've led marches. I've done many things.

Teaching poetry, teaching as such, is worthy - if back breaking.