Karl Shapiro Quotes

To make the child in your own image is a capital crime, for your image is not worth repeating. The child knows this and you know it. Consequently you hate each other.

The good poet sticks to his real loves, those within the realm of possibility. He never tries to hold hands with God or the human race.

The doctor punched my vein, the captain called me Cain, upon my belly sat the sow of fear.

The body, what is it, Father, but a sign To love the force that grows us, to give back What in Thy palm is senselessness and mud?

Poetry is innocent, not wise. It does not learn from experience, because each poetic experience is unique.

Laughter and grief join hands. Always the heart Clumps in the breast with heavy stride; The face grows lined and wrinkled like a chart, The eyes bloodshot with tears and tide. Let the wind blow, for many a man shall die.