"Pain is filtered in a poem so that it becomes finally, in the end, pleasure." ― Mark Strand Topic(s): Success More From Mark Strand "And at least in poetry you should feel free to lie. That is, not to lie, but to imagine what you want, to follow the direction of the poem." "I think the best American poetry is the poetry that utilizes the resources of poetry rather than exploits the defects or triumphs of the poet’s personality." "A great many people seem to think writing poetry is worthwhile, even though it pays next to nothing and is not as widely read as it should be." More In Success "There is no middle ground in Hollywood; you’re a failure or you’re a success. That mentality is wild."― Javier Bardem "Success can make you go one of two ways. It can make you a prima donna – or it can smooth the edges, take away the insecurities, let the nice things come out."― Barbara Walters "I’m very competitive, and my ego couldn’t handle that lack of success."― Gavin DeGraw