Mostly the thought and the verse come inseparably. In my poem Poetics, it's as close as I come to telling how I do it.

Obvious enough that generalities work to protect the mind from the great outdoors; is it possible that this was in fact their first purpose?

When modern writers gave up telling stories, they gave up the greatest thing we had.

I would talk in iambic pentameter if it were easier.

Writing is like the relationship with your bowels. First you can, then you can't. Finally, you must. Only then should you reach for the paper.

Till I, high in the tower of my time Among familiar ruins, began to cry For accident, sickness, justice, war and crime, Because all died, because I had to die. The snow fell, the trees stood, the promise kept, And a child I slept.

Why are stamps adorned with kings and presidents? That we may lick their hinder parts and thump their heads.