I was appointed Poet Laureate. It came totally out of the blue because most Poet Laureates had been considerably older than I. It was not something that I even had begun to dream about!

If you can't be free, be a mystery.

There are times in life when, instead of complaining, you do something about your complaints.

Being Poet Laureate made me realize I was capable of a larger voice. There is a more public utterance I can make as a poet.

I try to show what it is about language and music that enthralls, because I think those are the two elements of poetry.

I was pirouette and flourish, I was filigree and flame. How could I count my blessings when I didn't know their names?

What writing does is to reveal.