Mark Strand

And at least in poetry you should feel free to lie. That is, not to lie, but to imagine what you want, to follow the direction of the poem.

I think the best American poetry is the poetry that utilizes the resources of poetry rather than exploits the defects or triumphs of the poet's personality.

Pain is filtered in a poem so that it becomes finally, in the end, pleasure.

I've always felt a little misrepresented in the world.

Even the most dishonest officer would want to be seen as a role model for his children.

All of my films have been autobiographical - it's all I've got to go on.