The poet can only write the poems; it takes the reader to complete the meaning.

The poet can only write the poems; it takes the reader to complete the meaning.

My main strength as a young writer was that I had no fear of making mistakes. I knew I would and I knew I could and would learn from them.

The poet Melvin B. Tolson once said "A civilization is judged only in its decline." That made sense to me. I would imagine the same is true for poets and tennis players.

My work is a part of me and I know it. I have no reason to try to pick one part of me out from the rest. I only see my work, or rather I should say I see my work only telling my part of the human experience.

The trip to Mars can only be understood through Black Americans. I say, the trip to Mars can only be understood through Black Americans.

There is always something to do. There are hungry people to feed, naked people to clothe, sick people to comfort and make well. And while I don't expect you to save the world I do think it's not asking too much for you to love those with whom you sleep, share the happiness of those whom you call friend, engage those among you who are visionary and remove from your life those who offer you depression, despair and disrespect.