Poetry is subconscious conversation, it is as much the work of those who understand it and those who make it.

I cannot tell the truth about anything unless I confess being a student, growing and learning something new every day. The more I learn, the clearer my view of the world becomes.

You can't have relationships with other people until you give birth to yourself.

The most fundamental truth to be told in any art form, as far as Blacks are concerned, is that America is killing us.

All poets, all writers are political. They either maintain the status quo, or they say, 'Something's wrong, let's change it for the better.'

No. Don't never go looking for love girl. Just wait. It'll come. Like the rain fallin' from the heaven, it'll come. Just don't never give up on love.

I shall become, I shall become a collector of me. And put meat on my soul.

And I cried… for all of the women who stretched their bodies for civilizations, only to find ruins.

The black artist is dangerous. Black art controls the 'Negro's' reality, negates negative influences, and creates positive images.

... in order to be a true revolutionary, you must understand love. Love, sacrifice, and death.

...I write to keep in contact with our ancestors and to spread truth to people.

In the eyes of others, we're often not who we imagine ourselves to be.

When you fail by your own standards, it's a form of success.

If the reader prefers, this book may be regarded as fiction. But there is always the chance that such a book of fiction may throw some light on what has been written as fact.

There is very strong historical data that suggest the way societies grow is by making large, long-term investments.

You're only as happy as your least happy child.

All Catholics must ask themselves what they personally have done lately to build up the holiness of the church and ensure people feel welcomed and loved in it.

I believe that the only people who really, truly benefit from any of the policies of Republicans are the wealthy. I'm in that 1 percent tax bracket, but I'm not a man of wealth.

[on editing of the films] There is always a question of time, and the director. I've worked with a lot of directors who don't mind my involvement. They appreciated it.

Life is lived forward but is judged in reverse.

A poem is a small machine made out of words.