poetry ... is another way to be hurled straight into the heart of God.

simply to ask a blessing upon one's circumstances, whatever they are, is somehow to improve them, and to tap some mysterious source of energy and joy.

the habit of shutting doors behind us is invaluable to happiness; we must learn to shut life's doors to cut out the futile wind of past mistakes.

Death is the perfect knowing.

A child's hand in yours - what tenderness and power it arouses. You are instantly the very touchstone of wisdom and strength.

Let me remember that each life must follow its own course, and that what happens to other people has absolutely nothing to do with what happens to me.

Young women especially have something invested in being nice people, and it's only when you have children that you realize you're not a nice person at all, but generally a selfish bully.