I'm terrified of switching the computer on because there are so many poems.

If I do a poetry reading I want people to walk out and say they feel better for having been there - not because you've done a comedy performance but because you're talking about your father dying or having young children, things that touch your soul.

If I decide to be indecisive, that's my decision.

I’d like to get away from earth awhile And then come back to it and begin over. May no fate willfully misunderstand me And half grant what I wish and snatch me away Not to return. Earth’s the right place for love: I don’t know where it’s likely to go better.

Yes, you can feel very alone as a poet and you sometimes think, is it worth it? Is it worth carrying on? But because there were other poets, you became part of a scene. Even though they were very different writers, it made it easier because you were together.

If I decide to be indecisive, that’s my decision.

I’m terrified of switching the computer on because there are so many poems.

There’s the moon trying to look romanticMoon’s too old that’s her troubleAren’t we all?

I could never begin a poem: ‘When I am dead’ In case it tempted Fate, and Fate gave way.

If I do a poetry reading I want people to walk out and say they feel better for having been there – not because you’ve done a comedy performance but because you’re talking about your father dying or having young children, things that touch your soul.