The poet who writes "free" verse is like Robinson Crusoe on his desert island: he must do all his cooking, laundry and darning for himself. In a few exceptional cases, this manly independence produces something original and impressive, but more often the result is squalor - dirty sheets on the unmade bed and empty bottles on the unswept floor.

In addition to English, at least one ancient language, probably Greek or Hebrew, and two modern languages would be required.

The sky is darkening like a stain Something is going to fall like rain And it won't be flowers

If we really want to live, we'd better start at once to try.

Every man carries with him through life a mirror, as unique and impossible to get rid of as his shadow.

Words are for those with promises to keep.

You owe it to all of us all get on with what you're good at.