At the age of 18 all young poets are sure they will be dead at 21 - of old age.

I'm as much influenced by Joseph Smith and the Mormons as I am, more so, than by Eliot. Actually, I'm much more influenced by the poetry of the Mormons.

There were also some cruel reviews by women, but the tone of the male reviewers, sometimes hysterical, was different. I have suffered, but I don't want to name names but there have been men who have seemed to want to destroy me or my writing, men I don't even know.

I don't believe there can be a poetic novel without political consciousness. I have a strong political conscience.

I'm quite sure that most writers would sustain real poetry if they could, but it takes devotion and talent.

I've been willing to go for years without publishing. That's been my career.

Don't blindly follow any leader.