A poet must sing for his own people.

Faith and joy are the ascensive forces of song.

A critic must accept what is best in a poet, and thus become his best encourager.

Above the clouds I lift my wing To hear the bells of Heaven ring; Some of their music, though my fights be wild, To Earth I bring; Then let me soar and sing!

Men are egotists, and not all tolerant of one man's selfhood; they do not always deem the amities elective.

Poetry is an art, and chief of the fine art; the easiest to dabble in, the hardest in which to reach true excellence.

Worth, courage, honor, these indeed Your sustenance and birthright are.

Music waves eternal wands,-- Enchantress of the souls of mortals!

Fashion is a potency in art, making it hard to judge between the temporary and the lasting.

But every human path leads on to God; He holds a myriad finer threads than gold, And strong as holy wishes, drawing us With delicate tension upward to Himself.

Genius does not need a special language; it uses newly whatever tongue it finds.

The truth brings no man a fortune.

There is nothing on this earth more to be prized than true friendship.

I quit law in 1988 to start writing, and it took me 17 years from that point to get a book contract. I guess you can say I was on the slow train.

For every good art critic there may be ten great artists.

I am a teacher because teaching allows me to observe the universe at work, that moment when wakefulness suddenly occurs.

The quest for God is the quest for true happiness.

I arm myself with punch lines and a big old water gun.

Humankind is made for uncertainty, struggle, choice and change.

It goes without saying that your friends are usually the first to discuss your personal business behind your back.