“...writers, like priests, should have compassion...and a sensitivity to pain...”

“...is the writer a prophet or priest - does he show the truth or serve the truth?...”

“...If I ever got sloppy and maudlin, it would be for the streets of my childhood—but no self- respecting writer should ever eulogize a slum...”

“...I guess you're right - I am a priest - I offer sacrifices - so take this line, I want you to have something of mine...”

“...you can't be intimate unless you're sensitive...”

“...you can have a dark heart and be a writer, but you can't have a black one..”

“...what else would a poet priest do on an endless night, but write of love?...”