I learned to make my mind large, as the universe is large, so that there is room for contradictions.

Let my life as Poet begin. I want the life of the Poet. I have labored for over twelve years, one thousand pages of prose. Now, I want the easiness of poetry. The brevity of the poem.

It seems that writing chose me. I feel that because I know history, and I know the history of so many cultures; I have lived a large life.

I'm so proud that my offspring became a musician. I'm full of awe that we are able to have a whole family live the life of artists.

The first dream I had was just to get a college education. I got through college in three years, taking extra classes in summer school.

The Jewish culture has a wonderful thing about education. It has a great thing about family; it has a great thing about unity, hard work, dedication. I would like to say the African-American community should emulate that.

A good teacher does not draw out; he gives out — he approves of the child.

A mentor, a 'teacher,' is like an editor. I absolutely value my editor, who is my teacher.