As long as the state permits itself to interfere in the affairs of literature, literature has the right to interfere with the affairs of state.

I was quite happy in Arkhangelsk.Subsequently, I was sent to a village. I liked it in its own way because it sounded to me very much like the tradition of a hired man in any world-class poem. That's what I was, a hired man. I was working for a collective farm.

If I can get somewhere, I'm all right. If not, I'm miserable.

I am quite prepared to die here [in NY]. It doesn't matter at all. I don't know better places, or perhaps if I do I am not prepared to make a move.

I'm not trying to be ridiculous or funny, but it was rather pleasant to find yourself in isolation, in solitary.

Who included me among the ranks of the human race?

Geography blended with time equals destiny.