To think of the myriad ways that we live is to think of the ways that we die: Delinquent in our brains, in debt-- If we settle, then, our due account and walk through the forest, Will we finally be free?

I do think most poets are in denial about what the real taboos in writing are--the real boundaries.

What separates the professionally successful ... from all the rest is their ability to stay steady, to have stamina. It is one thing to write a good sentence, another to write a good book.

Poetry is God's work.

I'm more interested in the writing than in the content per se (good writing can be about wallpaper and I'll devour it).

Today, from the bridge, the East River is sparkling. The money is swirling around the tall buildings like tides or like tithes, And I wonder, does anyone swim in this river, I wonder, does anyone pray?

It is one thing to write a good sentence, another to write a good book.