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America is a poem in our eyes; its ample geography dazzles the imagination, and it will not wait long for metres.

American poetry is this country's greatest patrimony. It takes a stranger to see some things clearly. This is one of them, and I am that stranger.

American poetry, like American painting, is always personal with an emphasis on the individuality of the poet.

From the catbird seat, I've found poetry to be the necessary utterance it has always been in America.

American poetry to me is a sort of relentless, nonstop sermon on human autonomy.

I've always tried to write about America. It's very worth a writer's effort.

Distinctly American poetry is usually written in the context of one's geographic landscape, sometimes out of one's cultural myths, and often with reference to gender and race or ethnic origins.

I think the best American poetry is the poetry that utilizes the resources of poetry rather than exploits the defects or triumphs of the poet's personality.

I would say that American poetry has always been a poetry of personal testimony.

America was based on a poetic vision. What will happen when it loses its poetry?