I ought to warn you that my verse is of no interest to people who can think.

Childhood is measured out by sounds and smells and sights, before the dark hour of reason grows.

Too many people in the modern world view poetry as a luxury, not a necessity like petrol. But to me it's the oil of life.

It's strange that those we miss the most Are those we take for granted.

Now if the harvest is over, And the world cold, Give me the bonus of laughter, As I lose hold.

History must not be written with bias, and both sides must be given, even if there is only one side.

People's backyards are much more interesting than their front gardens, and houses that back on to railways are public benefactors.

And I think it was the outline of that church tower at Belaugh against the sky which gave me a passion for churches so that every church I've past since I've wanted to stop and look in.

And now, dear Lord, I cannot wait Because I have a luncheon date.

Topography is one of my chief themes in my poetry, about the country, the suburbs and the seaside. Then there comes love... and increasingly; the fear of death.

Hymns are the poetry of the people.

Saying you're through with romance is like saying you're done with living, Betty. Life is better with a little romance, you know.

Haven’t you learned yet? Someone has to be the villain so everyone else can stay alive.

Complainers change their complaints, but they never reduce the amount of time spent in complaining.

For the curse of Cain, the curse of being an outcast and a wanderer over the face of the earth has been removed.

Treating the body is really about treating the mind. It is all psychosomatic - every bit of it. No exceptions.

Beautiful things are different.

Benny Goodman was one of the big influences as a clarinet player. That's why I wanted the clarinet.

It is my firm faith that man is by nature going higher.

We really wanted it to be an action movie. Those are the movies that we love. We're big fans of like Shane Black movies, when we were younger - me and Evan [Goldberg].

Football is American; why are the Romans numering our bowls?!