I find in my poetry and prose the rhythms and imagery of the best - I mean, when I'm at my best - of the good Southern black preachers. The lyricism of the spirituals and the directness of gospel songs and the mystery of blues are in my music or in my poetry and prose, or I missed everything.
Copy QuotePoetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings: it takes its origin from emotion recollected in tranquility.
Copy Quote View & SharePoetry is just the evidence of life. If your life is burning well, poetry is just the ash.
Copy Quote View & ShareIf my poetry aims to achieve anything, it's to deliver people from the limited ways in which they see and feel.
Copy Quote View & ShareIn science one tries to tell people, in such a way as to be understood by everyone, something that no one ever knew before. But in poetry, it's the exact opposite.
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