I am not at all clear what free verse is anymore. That's one of the things you learn not to know.

Robert Frost had always said you mustn't think of the last line first, or it's only a fake poem, not a real one. I'm inclined to agree.

I think there's one thing which distinguishes our art - we don't consider. We don't think. We write a little verse because it comes to us.

I do insist on making what I hope is sense so there's always a coherent narrative or argument that the reader can follow.

Occasionally a student writer comes up with something really beautiful and moving, and you won't know for years if it was an accident or the first burst of something wonderful.

Once in awhile you have a thought, and you rhyme it.

The secrets of success are a good wife and a steady job. My wife told me.