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

And I cried… for all of the women who stretched their bodies for civilizations, only to find ruins.

Zora Neale Hurston said fear is the greatest emotion and I said, 'No my dear sister.' Fear will make us move to save our own skins. Love also makes us save ourselves, but it will make us move to save others as well.

Art... reacts to or reflects the culture it springs from.

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

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.'

The words loved me and I loved them in return.