I actually can't listen to music and write poetry at the same time, but I do kind of think about the music I've been listening to when I write.

I think about the body kind of all the time, being as how I'm really uncomfortable in mine.

I like having a phrase lying around to get poems started. It's like having a key.

I hope I can write toward my interests. But poets should be afraid of too fluidly responding to what they're interested in.

I just can't write and listen to music at the same time.

I do believe in Jesus as wholly God and wholly human, and I believe the human part was human.

I don't know that I find either aspect of Jesus more interesting than the other, although maybe I think about the God one more.

I'm always glad that other people are way smarter about my poems than I am.

I had/have a habit of sending books out before they're ready. And then I edit with almost absurd intensity. But I've done about a book a year.

I think I cause a lot of headaches for editors - it's impossible to keep up with the ridiculous amount of changes I make.

I wanted to be a composer for a while, and for a while, and maybe still, I found writing music much easier than writing poetry. So maybe my brain clings to it.

She was my sacred angel that I could never violate. Reira was my sanctuary. I needed something solid like that in this dirty, disappointing world.

I don't ever watch myself. By watching, you try to perfect yourself, become a robot.

There are three essential factors in all human activity: spirit, materials, and action.

Officeholders are the agents of the people, not their masters.

You can not make me pick between my roles! That is like making me pick between my children!

We can do anything, or almost, but how balanced, magnanimous, and modest one has to be to do anything! And also how patient. It is as true in the arts as anywhere else.

The people who influence us are those who have stood unconsciously for the right thing. They are like the stars and the lilies, and the joy of God flows through them all the time.

Everything is exactly as it is for a reason. The crumb on your table is no mystical reminder of this morning's cookie, it is there because you have chosen not to remove it. No exceptions.

What happened to your hair, tiger? (Fang) It fell off. (Wren)

...for everything can come to those who have the desire,the drive, the dedication, and the determination." v.c.andrews