Strands of autobiography, a deeply sensuous ecology of place, historical narratives; the inner world of imagination and the often difficult realities of the postcolonial nation are interwoven in McWatt's bold but carefully worked out architecture. Peepal Tree

If life had a second edition, how I would correct the proofs?. John Clare

Poetry is emotion put into measure. The emotion must come by nature, but the measure can be acquired by art. Thomas Hardy

Alice Oswald throws the windows of the imagination open; she places a fingertip on the pulse of tradition, and proves it is still very much alive - The Times

Not only rich music, an easy lyricism, but also grit, and earthy honesty, a willingness to be vulnerable and clean. - Gwendolyn Brooks

Poetry matters because it is a tool for helping us to discover who we are. As individuals, as Caribbean peoples, as citizens of the world. Olive Senior

All her poems have written underneath - 'I have seen it.' - Randall Jarrell

Have I not been trying to use the obstacle/Of language well? - 'Malcolm Mooney's Land', W. S. Graham