I think it's possible to be multi-rooted, rather like a banyan tree, without being deracinated.

Think of many things. Never place your happiness in one person's power. Be just to yourself.

You get your inspiration - suggestions - wherever you have to, even from your mother.

You have to learn a few things, which you do along the way, but basically, poetry is a matter of the ear. Iambic pentameters or what constitutes a stanza comes naturally - your ears will know.

I tend to follow a scattershot approach to reading a lot of very diverse subjects interest me, and I'm quite happy to read stuff on any of them.

I'm not sure anyone can understand a whole life, even their own.

Put your backbone where your wishbone is.