I felt that I had to write. Even if I had never been published, I knew that I would go on writing, enjoying it and experiencing the challenge.

To be in love Is to touch things with a lighter hand. In yourself you stretch, you are well.

When I start writing a poem, I don't think about models or about what anybody else in the world has done.

First fight. Then fiddle.

I don't want people running around saying Gwen Brooks's work is intellectual. That makes people think instantly about obscurity. It shouldn't have to mean that, but it often seems to.

Do not desire to fit in. Desire to oblige yourselves to lead.

No man can give me any word but Wait.