What is the beauty of the haiku is that it is not simplistic. The beauty of the haiku I just said is very complex. It reaches all the complexities of our life on this Earth. Peace - that's a very complex idea, peace, so we can't get it as human beings.

I write to tell the truth about the black condition as I see it. Therefore, I write to offer a black woman's view of the world.

So much of growing up is an unbearable waiting. A constant longing for another time. Another season.

You can't have relationships with other people until you give birth to yourself.

The words loved me and I loved them in return.

I shall become, I shall become a collector of me. And put meat on my soul.

I probably have not killed anyone in America because I write, I've maintained good controls over myself by writing.