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.

It is through the acceptance of a variety of aethetic and intellectual points of view that a culture is given breadth and density.

I hope that one or two immortal lyrics will come out of all this tumbling around.

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.

Perhaps this very instant is your time.

At midnight tears Run into your ears.

The Initial Mystery that attends any journey is: how did the traveler reach his starting point in the first place?