Without imagination we can go nowhere. And imagination is not restricted to the arts. Every scientist I have met who has been a success has had to imagine.

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

Don't be so fast, you're all you've got.

If we really want to be full and generous in spirit, we have no choice but to trust at some level.

My favorite poets may not be your bread and butter. I have more favorite poems than favorite poets.

By making us stop for a moment, poetry gives us an opportunity to think about ourselves as human beings on this planet and what we mean to each other.

I have a high guilt quotient. A poem can go through as many as 50 or 60 drafts. It can take from a day to two years - or longer.