“But now I see I was not plucked for naught,
And after in life's vase
Of glass set while I might survive,
But by a kind hand brought
Alive
To a strange place.”

“I have been helped by terror (in the heart of the enemy); I have been given words which are concise but comprehensive in meaning; and while I was asleep I was brought the keys of the treasures of the earth which were placed in my hand.”

“Everything is so alive, that I can be alive. Without moving I can see it all. In your life I see everything that lives.”

“I can see the beauty of glass objects fully at the moment when they slip from my hand”

“I never drink while I'm working, but after a few glasses I get ideas that would never have occurred to me dead sober.”

“Between me and life is a faint glass. No matter how sharply I see and understand life, I cannot touch it.”

“You were just a Small Bump unborn, in Four months you're brought to life.
You might be left with my hair, but you'll have your Mother's eyes.
I'll hold your body in my hands be as gentle as I can, but for now you're a scan of my unmade plans.
Small bump, four months you are brought to life.”

“It might be my favorite book of mine. It was a very exciting time in my life. I was writing that book while I was at college. Sort of like the best of times, the worst of times. There was a lot of elation, there was a lot of despair. It was just a really fun book to write. I loved mimicking all the different voices. The stream of conscious does get a little out of hand. I kind of like that about the book. It's kind of all over the place. It's casual. It's scruffy. That's the one book of mine that I have a very, very soft spot for.”

“I have been commissioned with words which are concise but comprehensive in meaning; I have been helped by terror (in the hearts of enemies): and while I was asleep I was brought the keys of the treasures of the earth which were placed in my hand. And Abfi Huraira added: The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) has left (for his heavenly home) and you are now busy in getting them.”

“Will-power, give me back some to survive,
One more hour and I'm coming alive…
I can see the light!
And there's blue sky breaking
Through the edge of the night…
I can see the light!”