“You should always be trying to write a poem you are unable to write, a poem you lack the technique, the language, the courage to achieve. Otherwise you're merely imitating yourself, going nowhere, ...”

“I do strongly feel that among the greatest pieces of luck for high achievement is ordeal. Certain great artists can make out without it, Titian and others, but mostly you need ordeal. My idea is th...”

“We must travel in the direction of our fear.”

“These Songs are not meant to be understood, you understand.They are only meant to terrify & comfort.”

“Them lady poets must not marry, pal.”

“Them lady poets must not marry, pal . . . It is a true error to marry with poets / or to be by them.”

“The fool doth think he is wise, but the wise man knows himself to be a fool.”

“The secret of life, though, is to fall seven times and to get up eight times.”

“It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.”