Far off in the red mangroves an alligator has heaved himself onto a hummock of grass and lies there, studying his poems.

Rhythm is one of the most powerful of pleasures, and when we feel a pleasurable rhythm we hope it will continue. When it does, it grows sweeter.

A dog is adorable and noble, a dog is a true and loving friend. A dog is also a hedonist.

It doesn't have to be the blue iris, it could be weeds in a vacant lot, or a few small stones; just pay attention, then patch a few words together and don't try to make them elaborate, this isn't a contest but the doorway into thanks, and a silence in which another voice may speak.

Love yourself. Then forget it. Then, love the world.

When I am alone I can become invisible. I can sit on the top of a dune as motionless as an uprise of weeds, until the foxes run by unconcerned. I can hear the almost unhearable sound of the roses singing.

I was hurrying through my own soul . . . I was leaning out . . . I was listening.