When white and black meet today, sometimes there is a ready understanding that there has been an encounter between two human beings. But often there is only, or chiefly, an awareness that Two Colors are in the room.

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

Art hurts. Art urges voyages - and it is easier to stay at home.

I like the concentration, the crush; I like working with language, as others like working with clay, or notes.

With melted opals for my milk, Pearl-leaf for my cracker.

Poetry is life distilled.

Truth-tellers are not always palatable. There is a preference for candy bars.