I try to show what it is about language and music that enthralls, because I think those are the two elements of poetry. – Rita Dove
There are distinct duties of a poet laureate. I plan a reading series at the Library of Congress and advise the librarian. The rest is how I want to promote poetry. – Rita Dove
I thought, after the Pulitzer, at least nothing will surprise me quite that much in my life. And another one happened. It was quite amazing. – Rita Dove
One definition of eternity is that we are not alone on this planet, that there are those whove gone before and those who will come, and that there is a community of spirits. – Rita Dove
The government, for example, has determined that black people (somehow) have fewer abilities than white people, and, so, must be given certain preferences. Anyone acquainted with both black and white people knows this assessment is not only absurd but monstrous. And yet it is the law. – David Mamet