“And that is just the point... how the world, moist and beautiful, calls to each of us to make a new and serious response. That's the big question, the one the world throws at you every morning. "Here you are, alive. Would you like to make a comment?”

“How heron comes It is a negligence of the mind not to notice how at dusk heron comes to the pond and stands there in his death robes, perfect servant of the system, hungry, his eyes full of attention, his wings pure light”

“All my lifeI have been restless--I have felt there is somethingmore wonderful than gloss--than wholeness--than staying at home.”

“I believe in kindness. Also in mischief. Also in singing, especially when singing is not necessarily prescribed.”

“When will you have a little pity for every soft thing that walks through the world, yourself included.”

“In winter's tedious nights sit by the fire With good old folks, and let them tell thee tales Of woeful ages, long ago betid”

“Be merry; you have cause, so have we all, of joy; for our escape is much beyond our loss . . . . then wisely weigh our sorrow with our comfort.”

“He receives comfort like cold porridge.”