I would not change [my past work] anymore than I would airbrush a photo of myself.

Imagine a famine. Now imagine a piece of bread. Both of these things are real but you happen to be in the same room with only one of them. Put yourself into a different room, that’s what the mind is for.

I am not running for mayor yet. But if it comes to be true that people cannot voice an opinion unless they have been elected, then we are no longer in a democracy.

I would rather dance as a ballerina, though faultily, than as a flawless clown.

Write down the thoughts and even more, write down a specific line. If you don't, it'll fly away forever.

Instead I will say, "Take me to your trees. Take me to your breakfasts, your sunsets, your bad dreams, your shoes, your nouns. Take me to your fingers; take me to your deaths." These are worth it. These are what I have come for.

I'm not senile," I snapped. "If I burn the house down it will be on purpose.