Gradually I became aware that professing English because I loved poems was like practicing vivisection because I loved dogs.

I started a PhD in English at the University of Chicago because I loved poetry-which I now realize is like saying I studied vivisection because I loved dogs.

Here's me opening my wrists before breakfast, Christmas day, and here's you asking if it hurt. Here's where I choose between mea culpa and Why the hell should I tell you?

May you always remember the Beloved is your divine and sacred self.

I want to know why you love me.Because I don't make sense without you. You're part of me.

Difficulties should act as a tonic. They should spur us to greater exertion.

Not many people ask me out.

If you militarise a situation, you beg for an armed response.

In spite of recent jazzed-up one-day matches, cricket to be fully appreciated demands leisure, some sunny warm days and an understanding of its finer points.

All loose things seem to drift down to the sea, and so did I.

We're often so busy cutting through the undergrowth we don't even realise we're in the wrong jungle.

Each test pilot I know considers him, or herself, now that there are women, to be the very best. It's very demeaning to step down the ladder once in a while