You write for the people in high school who ignored you. We all do.

You cannot meet someone for a moment, or even cast eyes on someone in the street, without changing. That is my subject.

Our masks, always in peril of smearing or cracking, in need of continuous check in the mirror or silverware, keep us in thrall to ourselves, concerned with our surfaces.

We live in wonder, blaze in a cycle of passion and apprehension.

He said, "You have pigs in this poem; pigs are not poetic." I got up and walked out of that class and never went back.

Poets are interested mostly in death and commas.

What is so marvelous about living today is that it is possible to extend, like a flower, spreading petals in all directions.

A poet, to whom no one cruel or imposing listens, Disdained by senates, whispers to your dust.

Poets are interested primarily in death and commas.

Environmental concerns and feminism are locked together. Generally, women have closer connections to the organic nature of our lives.

I thought about how all that mattered, in all entirety, and all I wanted, and all I could see anything being worth anything for, was being a writer.

Enlightenment gives profound joy of the heart and a great love for the fellow beings.

The principles of the Kingdom of God make it possible to live life at its highest level.

How could such a destructive man [referring to Bush] be so popular with the American people?... Not only is he poisoning our air and water - he's poisoning our political system as well.

When I was with Andy Warhol, I thought, 'God, his wig looks cheaper than mine!'

No two languages are ever sufficiently similar to be considered as representing the same social reality.

'Dare to Discipline' was published in 1970 in the midst of the Vietnam War and a culture of rebellion. The book was written in that context, but the principles of child rearing have not changed.

Success is not something you pursue. What you pursue will elude you; it can be like trying to chase butterflies. Success is something you attract by the person you become.

I believe good plans are the best way to maximize fun, avoid disaster, and possibly, save the world. I spend a lot of my time making them.

Having no problems is the biggest problem of all.