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

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

At lunchtime I bought a huge orange The size of it made us all laugh. I peeled it and shared it with Robert and Dave— They got quarters and I had a half. And that orange it made me so happy, As ordinary things often do Just lately. The shopping. A walk in the park This is peace and contentment. It's new. The rest of the day was quite easy. I did all my jobs on my list And enjoyed them and had some time over. I love you. I'm glad I exist.

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.

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.

I've never been more famous than I was, suddenly, in 1986.

I think it's a question which particularly arises over women writers: whether it's better to have a happy life or a good supply of tragic plots.