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

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've always felt that the poems I've written which have historical context are hopefully not just simply plucking something out of history and saying great, let's write about that. In every case what has happened is that I've become fascinated or haunted by something and couldn't shake it.

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

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

I write short stories, and I wrote a play.

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