Let us honor if we can the vertical man, though we value none but the horizontal one

I said earlier that I do not believe an artist's life throws much light upon his works. I do believe, however, that, more often than most people realize, his works may throw light upon his life. An artist with certain imaginative ideas in his head may then involve himself in relationships which are congenial to them.

My poetry doesn't change from place to place - it changes with the years. It's very important to be one's age. You get ideas you have to turn down - 'I'm sorry, no longer'; 'I'm sorry, not yet.

I will love you forever" swears the poet. I find this easy to swear too. "I will love you at 4:15 pm next Tuesday" - Is that still as easy?

Out on the lawn I lie in bed, Vega conspicuous overhead.

What answer to the meaning of existence should one require beyond the right to exercise one's gifts?

Recipe for the upbringing of a poet: 'As much neurosis as the child can bear.