I suggest that the great art belongs to all people, all the time--that indeed it is made for the people, by the people, to the people.

The woman who survives intact and happy must be at once tender and tough.

If you're a human being, you can attempt to do what other human beings have done. We don't understand talent any more than we understand electricity.

If you're serious, you really understand that it's important that you laugh as much as possible and admit that you're the funniest person you ever met. You have to laugh. Admit that you're funny. Otherwise, you die in solemnity.

I find in my poetry and prose the rhythms and imagery of the best - I mean, when I'm at my best - of the good Southern black preachers. The lyricism of the spirituals and the directness of gospel songs and the mystery of blues are in my music or in my poetry and prose, or I missed everything.

I had read a Tale of Two Cities and found it up to my standards as a romantic novel. She opened the first page and I heard poetry for the first time in my life...her voice slid in and curved down trough and over the words. She was nearly singing.

Modesty is a learned affectation. And as soon as life slams the modest person against the wall, that modesty drops.