The fact that my songs take a long time to write is no guarantee of their excellence.

I always loved those little creatures [hummingbird], always feel blessed when they appear nearby. There's a magical quality to them. I finally put one in a song.

I alwaysthought of myself as a competent, minor poet. I know who I'm up against.

Some people are graced with a flow; some people are graced with something less than a flow. I'm one of those.

To keep our hearts open is probably the most urgent responsibility you have as you get older.

To every people the land is given on condition. Perceived or not, there is a Covenant, beyond the constitution, beyond sovereign guarantee, beyond the nation's sweetest dreams of itself.

Does anybody have a cigarette? I'm looking forward to that first smoke. I've been looking forward to [it] for about 30 years.