“If I read a book and it makes my whole body so cold no fire can ever warm me, I know that is poetry.”

“But my memories are like a fire in winter—whenever I'm cold I can warm my hands at them.

—Ditta”

“This is a book and a body that is so warm to the touch. My touch.”

“I Think it is lost….. but nothing is ever lost nor can be lost.
The body sluggish, aged, cold, the ember left from earlier fires
shall duly flame again.”

“I have my books and my poetry to protect me”

“I had gone to Miami Children's [Hospital] to do a book reading for my "Noelle" book, and they [staff at The Brain Institute] introduced me to this project that they had. And it so beautifully coincides with my spinal cord research -- my Miami Project [to cure spinal paralysis] pet charity -- because, as you know, I was paralyzed and in a wheelchair. So, I want to be there for that cure. It makes me happy. I really feel privileged to be of service. From the day I can remember, you know -- as far back as I can remember in my memory --I wished to be of service in some way.”

“I have no feelings of guilt regarding the books I have not read and perhaps will never read; I know that my books have unlimited patience. They will wait for me till the end of my days.”

“I read a book one day and my whole life was changed.”

“When I read a book, I put in all the imagination I can, so that it is almost like writing the book as well as reading it - or rather, it is like living it. It makes reading so much more exciting, but I don't suppose many people try to do it.”

“I like warming my butt by the fire.”