A mind that is lively and inquiring, compassionate, curious, angry, full of music, full of feeling, is a mind full of possible poetry.

The challenge is to keep up with all the new poets at the same time I love the old ones.

I very much wished not to be noticed, and to be left alone, and I sort of succeeded.

Listen--are you breathing just a little, and calling it a life?

Let me keep my distance, always, from those who think they have the answers. Let me keep company always with those who say “Look!” and laugh in astonishment, and bow their heads. (from “Mysteries, Yes”)

Emerson, I am trying to live, as you said we must, the examined life. But there are days I wish there was less in my head to examine, not to speak of the busy heart.

What can we do about God, who makes and then breaks every god-forsaken, beautiful day?