In a general way, I want to be a kind of flag-waver, bunting hanger-up, drum-beater, you name it, for poetry.

I don't want my poems to be sentimental, though I do acknowledge that sentiment is probably rather under-reported in a lot of people's feelings a lot of the time.

Each sudden gust of light explains itself as flames, but neither they, nor even bombs redoubled on the hills tonight can quite include me in their fear.

Poems are a hotline to our hearts, and we forget this emotional power at our peril

But Wordsworth is the poet I admire above all others.

I am a vigilant monarchist. I want to see things evolve. The direction the monarchy seems to be moving in - towards a more mainland-European model - is one I would feel sympathetic about.

Honor the miraculousness of the ordinary.

I write between 5.30am and 9.00. That way, I hope I carry over something from my dream time.

I like eating out. I like buying beautiful paintings and being surrounded by beautiful things. I have to finance that life. I can barely afford a pension scheme because I don't make enough money.

I'm ensuring my place in heaven.

Like a lot of people, for a long time I thought that the road to hell is paved with bad sequels.

Waiting is erotic

Ten years ago I wondered, “How does one travel around the world? How does one step out of a well-established life to follow the dream?” I’ve answered those questions. But now new ones emerge.

Must I at length the Sword of Justice draw?Oh curst Effects of necessary Law!How ill my Fear they by my Mercy scan, Beware the Fury of a Patient Man.

I'm not a person for sitting on beaches. What would I do?

I have cellulite. I admit it. But sometimes I just say, 'Screw it, I am going to wear a bikini.'

I pay tremendous numbers of taxes.

Two things are necessary for success in life; one is a sense of purpose and the other, a touch of madness.

I've got a reason to believe we all be received in Graceland, Graceland, Memphis Tennessee.

You have to understand the vehicle, the form that allows you to do what you do, and why that is.

For my part...I am a realist but, somehow, optimism always keeps breaking out.