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.

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

Stupidity always accompanies evil. Or evil, stupidity.

It is almost impossible for the poetess, once laurelled, to take off the crown for good or to reject values and taste of those who tender it.

I have lost faith in universal panaceas - work is the one thing in which I really believe.

True revolutions in art restore more than they destroy.

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