When we are stirred to lament the loss of the gods, it is more than likely the gods who are doing the stirring.

The most important of all rights is the right to life, and I cannot foresee a day when domesticated animals will be granted that right in law.

I don't think we are ready to die, any of us, not without being escorted.

No, Paul, I couldn't care less if you tell me made-up stories. Our lies reveal as much about us as our truths.' (Said to Paul by Elizabeth Costello, the interloping novelist-angel-inner voice).

When we are stirred to lament the loss of the gods, it is more than likely the gods who are doing the stirring.

In my experience poetry speaks to you either at first sight or not at all. A flash of revelation and a flash of response. Like lightning. Like falling in love.

It’s admirable, what you do, what she does, but to me animal-welfare people are a bit like Christians of a certain kind. Everyone is so cheerful and well-intentioned that after a while you itch to go off and do some raping and pillaging. Or to kick a cat.