“Writers don't write from experience, although many are hesitant to admit that they don't. ...If you wrote from experience, you'd get maybe one book, maybe three poems. Writers write from empathy.”

“I want to be clear about this. If you wrote from experience, you'd get maybe one book, maybe three poems. Writers write from empathy.”

“If you're a writer, the answer to everything is yes.”

“You must be unintimidated by your own thoughts because if you write with someone looking over you shoulder, you'll never write.”

“I'm glad I understand that while language is a gift, listening is a responsibility. (U.S. poet and writer, 1943- )”

“If you don't understand yourself you don't understand anybody else.”

“There is always something to do. There are hungry people to feed, naked people to clothe, sick people to comfort and make well. And while I don't expect you to save the world I do think it's not asking too much for you to love those with whom you sleep, share the happiness of those whom you call friend, engage those among you who are visionary and remove from your life those who offer you depression, despair and disrespect.”