At bottom the world isn't a joke. We only joke about it to avoid an issue with someone, to let someone know that we know he's there with his questions; to disarm him by seeming to have heard and done justice to his side of the standing argument.

To be social is to be forgiving.

By working faithfully eight hours a day you may eventually get to be boss and work twelve hours a day.

Every poem is a momentary stay against the confusion of the world.

I've given offense by saying I'd as soon write free verse as play tennis with the net down.

Freud was way off base in considering sex the fundamental motivation. The ruling passion in men is minding each other's business.

The way a crow Shook down on me The dust of snow From a hemlock tree Has given my heart A change of mood And saved some part Of a day I had rued.