Mostly, what I have learned so far about aging, despite the creakiness of one's bones and cragginess of one's once-silken skin, is this: Do it. By all means, do it.

The poetry you read has been written for you, each of you - black, white, Hispanic, man, woman, gay, straight.

Try to be a rainbow in someone's cloud.

But a caged bird stands on the grave of dreams.

Let me tell so much truth. I want to tell the truth in my work. The truth will lead me to all.

I not only have the right to stand up for myself, but I have the responsibility. I can't ask somebody else to stand up for me if I won't stand up for myself. And once you stand up for yourself, you'd be surprised that people say, "Can I be of help?".

On the day of your birth, the Creator filled countless storehouses, set aside for your use and yours alone.