The poetry that sustains me is when I feel that, for a minute, the clouds have parted and I've seen ecstasy or something

I think that when a poem can move readers across generations and across its specific class or race then it becomes truly classic.

I think reading Shakespeare's plays when I was young was extremely important. He had the ability to make utter strangers come alive.

My inspiration comes from everywhere, just walking down the street and I never know where it's going to come from, so I keep a notebook with me at all times and the only criteria for anything making it into that notebook is if it stops me in my tracks for even an instant, if it catches my eye or my ear and I just write it down.

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.

Rap is only one end of a whole spectrum of verbal play and virtuosity. Rap is geared for aural pleasure.

I think children have talent and insight, but it gets beaten out of them.