To me, a poem is almost like someone whispering to another person, or you hear the whispering in your head. I hope with my own poems that the reader feels a connection, soul to soul, that'll help us all feel a little less alone on the planet. And it does have the power to direct change. A writer can make the word 'dark' be something positive. You can relieve a word like 'hysterical' of its misogynistic implications. You can make the language your own. That's what poetry is about.

I grew up in Ohio, where civil-rights accomplishments had already begun to accelerate before Martin Luther King appeared. In hindsight, we know that many people, black and white, were instrumental in changing the Jim Crow status quo on all levels.

Being true to yourself really means being true to all the complexities of the human spirit.

I always loved science. And in fact, I got a science award in high school. I mean, I loved science, but I think I loved literature more.

I see a resurgence of interest in poetry. I am less optimistic about the prospects for the arts when it comes to federal funding.

If we really want to be full and generous in spirit, we have no choice but to trust at some level.

For years, I had heard about the lack of interest in literature in the U.S. and I had complained about the lack of respect artists got here. In my heart, I failed to understand how people could fail to be moved by art.