A great many people seem to think writing poetry is worthwhile, even though it pays next to nothing and is not as widely read as it should be. – Mark Strand

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

And yet, in a culture like ours, which is given to material comforts, and addicted to forms of entertainment that offer immediate gratification, it is surprising that so much poetry is written. – Mark Strand