I was always interested in French poetry sort of as a sideline to my own work I was translating contemporary French poets. That kind of spilled out into translation as a way to earn money pay for food and put bread on the table.

Peace above all things is to be desired but blood must sometimes be spilled to obtain it on equable and lasting terms.

I am an optimist because I want to change things for the better and I know that blood has to be spilled and disharmony and cruelty are necessary to do that.

When the Exxon Valdez spilled in 1989 I was angry. I even wrote on the back of my car Boycott Exxon!