I consider myself kind of a reporter - one who uses words that are more like music and that have a choreography. I never think of myself as a poet; I just get up and write.

And over one more set of hills, along the sea, the last roses have opened their factories of sweetness and are giving it back to the world. If I had another life I would want to spend it all on some unstinting happiness.

I know many lives worth living.

I held my breath as we do sometimes to stop time when something wonderful has touched us.

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.

I worked probably 25 years by myself, just writing and working, not trying to publish much, not giving readings.

It is better for the heart to break, than not to break.