It is not possible, for a poet, writing in any language, to protect himself from the tragic elements in human life.... [ellipsis in source] Illness, old age, and death--subjects as ancient as humanity--these are the subjects that the poet must speak of very nearly from the first moment that he begins to speak.

But is there any reason to believe that a woman's spiritual fibre is less sturdy than a man's? Is it not possible for a woman to come to terms with herself if not with the world; to withdraw more and more, as time goes on, her own personality from her productions; to stop childish fears of death and eschew charming rebellions against facts?

Up from the bronze, I saw Water without a flaw Rush to its rest in air Reach to its rest, and fall.

Innocence of heart and violence of feeling are necessary in any kind of superior achievement: The arts cannot exist without them.

I'll lie here and learn How, over their ground, Trees make a long shadow And a light sound.

Your work is carved out of agony as a statue is carved out of marble.

Because language is the carrier of ideas, it is easy to believe that it should be very little else than such a carrier.