I have piles of poetry books in the bathroom, on the stairs, everywhere. The only way to write poetry is to read it. – Carol Ann Duffy

[I]t is not health, it is convalescence that is poetical. Just as certain plants only yield all their fragrance to the fingers that crush them, so it is only in a state of suffering that certain affections utter all their poetry. – Alexandre Vinet (1797–1847)

When power leads man toward arrogance, poetry reminds him of his limitations. When power narrows the area of mans concern, poetry reminds him of the richness and diversity of existence. When power corrupts, poetry cleanses. – John F. Kennedy