We all have a hungry heart, and one of the things we hunger for is happiness. So as much as I possibly could, I stayed where I was happy. I spent a great deal of time in my younger years just writing and reading, walking around the woods in Ohio, where I grew up.
From Mary Oliver
One thing I do know is that poetry, to be understood, must be clear.
I decided very early that I wanted to write. But I didn't think of it as a career. I didn't even think of it as a profession... It was the most exciting thing, the most powerful thing, the most wonderful thing to do with my life.
People want poetry. They need poetry. They get it. They don't want fancy work.
I worked probably 25 years by myself, just writing and working, not trying to publish much, not giving readings.
I have a notebook with me all the time, and I begin scribbling a few words. When things are going well, the walk does not get anywhere; I finally just stop and write.
It's very important to write things down instantly, or you can lose the way you were thinking out a line. I have a rule that if I wake up at 3 in the morning and think of something, I write it down.
My parents didn't care very much what I did, and that was probably a blessing.
I've always wanted to write poems and nothing else.
Apparently, I've been considered a recluse.
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