Negative space is important. When I teach students to read critically I advise them to look for what the author isn't saying just as carefully as for what he or she is.

Whenever I do a comedy show I still just read poems, some of which are intentionally funny and some of which are just bizarre. The mix seems to work well.

Writing essays and teaching composition have helped me immensely in writing poetry, because they've forced me to focus on the structure of ideas.

After the first few readings in comedy venues I did begin to write for laughs. There's something so gratifying about stimulating laughter.

I don't really want to write fiction at all. I don't see why fiction is necessary when we have real life already confusing enough.

Surprise keeps the reader awake. The only alternative is to continue saying what the reader is expecting. What fun is that?

Poetry is a way for me to explore a tingly feeling, to let it play itself out, and also to map it. I feel like I'm making little star maps when I write poems.

The brands with which we surround ourselves prop us up, make us feel sexy and beautiful, when in reality we're pretty dumpy creatures.

Any idiot can put up a website.

Action cures fear, inaction creates terror.

I couldn't resist him, his eyes were like yours, his hair was exactly the shade of brown. He's just not as tall, but I couldn't tell, it was dark and I was lying down.

If you want to live the Christian life, you will have to realize that Someone Else has to be in control.

When humans face testings and tragedy, they should remember the angels who are always standing ready to lend their celestial assistance, comfort and council.

IF ANYONE DESERVES TO CARRY A GRUDGE, IT’S CHRIST. BUT INSTEAD, HE CARRIED A CROSS.

Somehow the body keeps life going despite the ravaging negations of the mind.

To unequal privileges among members of the same society the spirit of our nation is, with one accord, adverse.

May your homes be filled with peace, harmony, courtesy, and love. May they be filled with the Spirit of the Lord.

The connection between dress and war is not far to seek; your finest clothes are those you wear as soldiers.