I would never write realistic prose. I don't like people who try to write in a poetic style, but in the course of their book abandon it for realism, and weave back and forth like drunkards between the surreal and the real.

I think there is a rage against women. I've come to see that now although at the time I did not notice it. I was preoccupied with my teaching and my writing.

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

The first poem I ever wrote, about loss, when I was 5 years old, expressed the themes of everything I would ever write.

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

All creatures are flawed, but out of the flaw may come the universe.

If you don't have obsessions, don't write. my characters are obsessed.