I think my cheerfulness keeps my writing from sinking into the depths of melancholy, while the darker side keeps in check any literary silliness I might be inclined toward.

If you really want people to pay attention to how you feel, you need to express your feelings in language that's worth reading.

I would put forward a modest proposition that we were very much better governed by Henry VIII than we are by King Gordon.

I do think poetry needs to invite the reader, especially when there are so many other distractions while reading.

Our masters have not heard the people's voice for generations and it is much, much louder than they care to remember.

Looking back upon my work today, I think the best I have done grew out of things deeply felt, the worst from a pride in mere talent.

Expectations are just leftover praise. They are a blessing. If you didn't have the capability to meet them, they wouldn't exist.

success is not a matter of circumstance, but of power to meet circumstance.

Part-black generally means all-black in Americans' minds. Just as part-Asian or part-Hispanic or part-anything-else usually puts individuals in those minority-groups' camps.

I once dated someone who worked at McDonald's. She came up and asked if I wanted a Big Mac.

If you are always trying to be normal you will never know how amazing you can be.

There are things I've kept over the years and then someday I might pull up a program of some tune that I've done and I go "Wow, I know what to do with this now".

When life knocks you down you have two choices- stay down or get up.