If they don't read, if they don't love reading; if they don't find themselves compulsively reading, I don't think they're really a writer

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.

The American Dream is a phrase we'll have to wrestle with all of our lives. It means a lot of things to different people. I think we're redefining it now

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 carry a notebook with me everywhere. But that's only the first step.

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.

Poetry is language at its most distilled and most powerful.