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.

Yes, there's a luck in most things; and in none more than being born at the right time.

I'm currently in the middle of a depression. I couldn't really tell you what set it off, but I think it stems from my cowardice, which confronts me at every turn.

I don't expect to try to get people to like everything I do. I want them to respect what I do.

Love is the power to see similarity in the dissimilar.

When I got my tour card I cried. When I got my first win - and my first pay check - I cried. All these things make me cry.

He said 'woman' in the same way I'd say 'Mmmm, yummy chocolate.

My revolution is born out of love for my people, not out of hatred for others.

Meet some people who care about poetry the way you do. You'll have that readership. Keep going until you know you're doing work that's worthy. And then see what happens. That's my advice.

I'd be the last person in the world to deny that there are many people for whom faith is - can be a great sustaining force.

I like to read either in motion or in water... I am happiest reading in the bathtub.