I did not have a very literary background. I came to poetry from the sciences and mathematics, and also through an interest in Japanese and Chinese poetry in translation.

Distance not only gives nostalgia, but perspective, and maybe objectivity.

I considered going to film school; I took a course in film and was very interested in filmmaking as well as film writing.

In the best fiction, the language itself can become almost invisible.

A lot of my students are Asian-American, and it has been thrilling to watch them break through the stereotypes into something alive and surprising.

I don't think the creative writing industry has helped American poetry.

I have taught students from the New York City area so long I have a special affinity and rapport with them. It surprises me sometimes that there are students from anywhere else.