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.

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.

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.

You won't change anything significant in the world if you try to be like it. Change comes when you do something different.

When it comes to doing something about what is wrong in the world, Jesus is best known for his fondness for the minute, the invisible, the quiet, the slow – yeast, salt, seeds, light. And manure.

If books can transform, those have to be conscientious.

It is the mark of great art that its appeal is universal and eternal.

Every generation rediscovers and re-evaluates the meaning of infancy and childhood.

Politeness of mind consists in thinking chaste and refined thoughts.

A man can suffocate on courtesy.

An actor's a guy who, if you ain't talking about him, ain't listening.

I like to take out the recycling because I actually feel like I'm doing something.

Those who gave the orders, oversaw the killings, and ordered the subsequent cover-up have yet to be arrested and prosecuted.