Everyone always says that having kids is messy and sloppy. It's true, but you as a parent have to try to bring some boundaries and control over that experience, or you'd have out-of-control kids.

I can't help but go against the grain, I suppose it is in my fabric to be a rule-breaker.

We're all just a part of this large, spiraling, constantly fluid hierarchy and changing. At some points in your life, you feel crushed by that, depending on who you come in contact with.

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

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 being a poet, period, is isolating.

There's so much stuff being written! Every year, how many books come out? I can't keep up, and I read a lot. It's amazing.