You don't have to suffer to be a poet; adolescence is enough suffering for anyone. -John Ciardi Poetry
Intelligence recognizes what has happened. Genius recognizes what will happen. -John Ciardi Intelligence
Every parent is at some time the father of the unreturned prodigal, with nothing to do but keep his house open to hope. -John Ciardi Hope
It is easy enough to praise men for the courage of their convictions. I wish I could teach the sad young of this mealy generation the courage of their confusions. -John Ciardi Courage
Every parent is at some time the father of the unreturned prodigal, with nothing to do but keep his house open to hope. -John Ciardi Dad
Modern art is what happens when painters stop looking at girls and persuade themselves that they have a better idea. -John Ciardi Art
