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

I have left out what I don't remember or don't know. Temperament, fear, shyness, obedience, kindness.

Men aren't called pricks, but women are called cunts.

I've spent hundreds of hours working over words, and part of me, a large part of me, has a desire to do something else.

There are hundreds of prisons - sexual, political, cultural. But being a prisoner also gives you impetus.

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.

Bruce Smith is a tender master of music, and beautiful lines, and complex thoughts, and fascinating wild personal and cultural references.