One stands, in fact, in awe of the Constitution of the United States, though it is an idea and not quite a reality.

And like an unfaithful mate, once a car has let you down you never sort of trust it again.

Deal with yourself as a individual, worthy of respect and make everyone else deal with you the same way.

I don't have a life-style, I have a life.

Black Poetry is not for Black People...it is for everybody

[To become a poet] The most important thing is to pay attention. The next would probably be to read; it's so important to pay attention. It keeps you from being bored, and I might add it keeps you from being boorish.

Most of my books are a two-year project. I tend to follow my heart and my mind and research materials where they take me.