When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time. People know themselves much better than you do. That's why it's important to stop expecting them to be something other than who they are

Depending on who I am talking about or who's talking through me - if the person is a kind of hip-hop, or rhythm and blues person, or if the person is a kind of old-fashion gothic, meaning gothic attitude, then that will determine what form the poem will take.

First best is falling in love. Second best is being in love. Least best is falling out of love. But any of it is better than never having been in love.

Making a decision to write was a lot like deciding to jump into a frozen lake.

Money and power can liberate only if they are used to do so. They can imprison and inhibit more finally than barred windows and iron chains.

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.

When I try to describe myself to God I say, 'Lord, remember me? Black? Female? Six-foot tall? The writer?' And I almost always get God's attention.