[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.

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.

Libraries...house our dreams.

Some say we are responsible for those we love. Others know we are responsible for those who love us.

Just as nature abhors a vacuum, humans resist change. Change will occur; vacuums will be filled.

I had a really nice childhood; I had great parents. I earned my allowance by washing dishes, and in the summer I earned my allowance by working in daddy's garden.

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