When you write in prose you say what you mean. When you write in rhyme you say what you must.

When you write in prose you say what you mean. When you write in rhyme you say what you must.

Poetry should... should strike the reader as a wording of his own highest thoughts, and appear almost a remembrance.

Poetry should... should strike the reader as a wording of his own highest thoughts, and appear almost a remembrance.

With me poetry has not been a purpose, but a passion.

With me poetry has not been a purpose, but a passion.

Each word bears its weight, so you have to read my poems quite slowly.

Each word bears its weight, so you have to read my poems quite slowly.

The essentials of poetry are rhythm, dance, and the human voice.

The essentials of poetry are rhythm, dance, and the human voice.

If Galileo had said in verse that the world moved, the inquisition might have let him alone.

If Galileo had said in verse that the world moved, the inquisition might have let him alone.

A poet is someone who is astonished by everything.

A poet is someone who is astonished by everything.

Poetry is a way of taking life by the throat.

Poetry is a way of taking life by the throat.

The poet's expression of joy conceals his despair at not having found the reality of joy.

The poet's expression of joy conceals his despair at not having found the reality of joy.