In my case, the long gaps between my books have got quite a lot to do with lack of confidence. A lot of the time when I'm not writing I start thinking I can't do it.

I like buying clothes, especially as I get a tax-deductible allowance.

The reason modern poetry is difficult is so that the poet's wife cannot understand it.

I've said what I'm prepared to say in my poems, and then journalists think that you're going to tell them a whole lot more.

I have a theory that if you've got the kind of parents who want to send you to boarding school, you're probably better off at boarding school.

Bloody Christmas, here again, let us raise a loving cup, peace on earth, goodwill to men, and make them do the washing up.

My heart has made its mind up And I’m afraid it’s you. Whatever you’ve got lined up, My heart has made its mind up And if you can’t be signed up This year, next year will do. My heart has made its mind up And I’m afraid it’s you.