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

We are all either wheels or connectors. Whichever we are we must find truth and balance, which is a bicycle. Trust and balance are also essential to true love.

I always loved English because whatever human beings are, we are storytellers. It is our stories that give a light to the future. When I went to college I became a history major because history is such a wonderful story of who we think we are. English is much more a story of who we really are.

If culture was a railroad, I can see the tracks running from the Spirituals to the Hip Hop Nation.

Rage is to writers what water is to fish.

I'm glad I understand that while language is a gift, listening is a responsibility. (U.S. poet and writer, 1943- )

I think it's the strength of her music, using art to make a statement. I think it really is. It was not a cheap gift. The gift was an expensive gift for Nina [Simone]. Diamonds are expensive. Her music was expensive. She paid for it, but I think it's her greatest gift.