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

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.

All poets, all writers are political. They either maintain the status quo, or they say, 'Something's wrong, let's change it for the better.'

...I write to keep in contact with our ancestors and to spread truth to people.

The black artist is dangerous. Black art controls the 'Negro's' reality, negates negative influences, and creates positive images.

The words loved me and I loved them in return.

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