My gut was always that if I taught students poetry, I would give too much of myself to them and have nothing left.

I feel like I give myself all day long to other people and other things, and I still seem like I have something to write once in awhile. Not often, though.

Having children can be such a gift, but it can be a crushing experience for a certain kind of mom. And I am that certain kind of mom.

I think e-mail and social media and all that has made me feel way less isolated than ever before.

I just didn't want any order in anything. I have to leave an ordered life for them - the kids - and my job. I have to be at my desk at a certain time, and I have to answer e-mails within a certain time period.

I definitely have favorite books by favorite poets, but poets' books also vary. I could like some books, but not like another book.

I think I've always felt very isolated, and I'm sure lots of poets do.