That always seemed to be the most critical test that a child was confronted with - loss of parents, loss of direction, loss of love. Can you live without a mother and a father?

I want to write something so simple, so short and so silly... and I want it to be for my brother.

I'm writing a poem right now about a nose. I've always wanted to write a poem about a nose. But it's a ludicrous subject. That's why, when I was younger, I was afraid of [writing] something that didn't make a lot of sense. But now I'm not. I have nothing to worry about. It doesn't matter.

I don't know how to write a children's book.

It is such an abundance of idiocy that you lose courage. That you lose hope. I don't want to lose hope. I get through every day. I'm pretty good. I work. I sleep. I sing. I walk.

My big concern is me and what do I do now until the time of my death. That is valid. That is useful. That is beautiful. That is creative.

Truthfullness to life-both fantasy life and factual life-is the basis of all great art.