Poems are taught as though the poet has put a secret key in his words and it is the reader's job to find it. Poems are not mystery novels.

The correctness and quality of what you write do not matter; the act of writing does.

My goal is to write every day. I say it is my ideal. I am careful not to pass judgment or create anxiety if I do not do it. No one lives up to his ideal.

Clarity and perseverance are difficult in American society because the basis of capitalism is greed and dissatisfaction.

As writers we need to crack open language.

Choose your tools carefully, but not so carefully that you get uptight or spend more time at the stationery store than at your writing table.

Know that you will eventually have to leave everything behind; the writing will demand it of you.