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

What's a word, a talisman, to hold against the world?

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.

For many years, I thought a poem was a whisper overheard, not an aria heard.

My childhood library was small enough not to be intimidating. And yet I felt the whole world was contained in those two rooms. I could walk any aisle and smell wisdom.

Crassly put: When I write, I am trying not to bore myself and my readers.