It is absurd to think that the only way to tell if a poem is lasting is to wait and see if it lasts. The right reader of a good poem can tell the moment it strikes him that he has taken an immortal wound-that he will never get over it.

Don't join too many gangs. Join few if any. Join the United States and join the family- But not much in between unless a college.

Like a piece of ice on a hot stove the poem must ride on its own melting.

I shall set forth for somewhere, I shall make the reckless choice Some say when they are in voice And tossing so as to scare The white clouds over them on, I shall have less to say, But I shall be none.

College is a refuge from hasty judgment.

When I see birches bend to left and right... I like to think some boy's been swinging them.

Don't be agnostic - be something.