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.

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

There's an old adage in writing: 'Don't tell, but show.' Writing is not psychology. We do not talk 'about' feelings. Instead the writer feels and through her words awakens those feelings in the reader. The writer takes the reader's hand and guides him through the valley of sorrow and joy without ever having to mention those words.

You live and then you die, I thought. It's good to have some good times.

Write what disturbs you, what you fear, what you have not been willing to speak about. Be willing to be split open.

The deepest secret in our heart of hearts is that we are writing because we love the world.

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.