“Olds writes “poetry more faithful to the felt truth of reality than any prose could be.” – Richard Wakefield.

These hands have Moulded monuments, created crafts, healed hearts. Khosi Xaba, from 'These Hands'

He treasures the grain of the speaking voice -- Robert Crawford

I understood that my words could be used as a weapon. James Matthews

I write because my ink must flow like blood. The written must be spoken. Patience Agbabi

Poetry so unsettling, describing worlds so troubling and lonely, is seldom as funny, clever, and downright charming as Jane Yeh's. - Aingeal Clare

And my heart, O my soldiers, my veterans, my heart gives you love. - Walt Whitman 'Dirge For Two Veterans'

All that was good, all that was fair, all that was me is gone. - Robert Louis Stevenson 'Sing Me A Song of A Lad That Is Gone'

And I could see that child's one eye which seemed to laugh, and say with glee: 'what caused my death you'll never know, perhaps my mother murdered me.' - W.H. Davies - 'The Inquest'

Deep in heart-wrung tears I'll pledge thee, warring sighs and groans I'll wage thee. - Robert Burns 'Song: ae fond kiss and then we sever'

Why that I cannot tell, said he, "But 'twas a famous victory." - Robert Southey, 'After Blenheim'

I'm drawn to what you might think of as traditional lyric poetry; it's an enduring, effective, powerful means of expression.