It is the imagination pressing back against the pressure of reality. It seems, in the last analysis, to have something to do with our self-preservation; and that, no doubt, is why the expression of it, the sound of its words, helps us to live our lives.

The philosopher proves that the philosopher exists. The poet merely enjoys existence.

All poetry is experimental poetry.

The poet's function is to make his imagination . . . become the light in the mind of others. His role, in short, is to help people to live their lives.

LIGHT FROM WITHIN my friend, cancer got you damn it: you had it beat for seven years at least. how did it come back? Why all that pain. again. and you, such a fighter you fought me over and over with tears and words and promises. you fought for me with honesty and a light so bright it hurts my heart. sweet lorna. at peace now finally no more battles, just light from within a flickering candle in the dark burns with you.

Poetry is a response to the daily necessity of getting the world right.

The imagination loses vitality as it ceases to adhere to what is real.