Quotes from Roger McGough

I was put off by people at school - my cabbage wasn't as good as other people's, you know, so that put me off.

The only problem with Haiku is that you just get started and then

People can put their best poems straight onto the web.

Whereas with poetry no one has to show anybody really, and you don't have to tell anyone you're doing it.

The only problem with Haiku is that you just get started and then

Everyday, I think about dying. About disease, starvation, violence, terrorism, war, the end of the world. It helps keep my mind off things.

noone knows and noone sees we lovers doing what we please but people stop and point at these ten milk bottles a-turning into cheese

So it's off with the shellsuit and on with the Armanis, Bring out the champagne and the caviar sarnies

The time I like best is 6am when the snow is 6 inches deep which I'm yet to discover 'cause I'm under the covers fast, fast asleep

I'd like to get away from earth awhile And then come back to it and begin over. May no fate willfully misunderstand me And half grant what I wish and snatch me away Not to return. Earth's the right place for love: I don't know where it's likely to go better.

Q I join the queue We move up nicely. I ask the lady in front What are we queuing for. 'To join another queue,' She explains. 'How pointless,' I say, 'I'm leaving.' She points To another long queue. 'Then you must get in line.' I join the queue. We move up nicely.

The glamour Of childish days is upon me

Whereas with poetry no one has to show anybody really, and you don't have to tell anyone you're doing it.

If I do a poetry reading I want people to walk out and say they feel better for having been there - not because you've done a comedy performance but because you're talking about your father dying or having young children, things that touch your soul.

Yes, you can feel very alone as a poet and you sometimes think, is it worth it? Is it worth carrying on? But because there were other poets, you became part of a scene. Even though they were very different writers, it made it easier because you were together.

We shouldn't have got married, really. Shouldn't have got married. Too young. Not ready for it.

If the heart bleeds love, bare it, If the martyr's crown fits, wear it.

You will put on a dress of guilt and shoes with broken high ideals.

If I decide to be indecisive, that's my decision.

Yes, you can feel very alone as a poet and you sometimes think, is it worth it? Is it worth carrying on? But because there were other poets, you became part of a scene. Even though they were very different writers, it made it easier because you were together.

If I do a poetry reading I want people to walk out and say they feel better for having been there - not because you've done a comedy performance but because you're talking about your father dying or having young children, things that touch your soul.

Everyday I think about dying About disease, starvation, violence, terrorism, war, the end of the world. It helps keep my mind off things.

I'm terrified of switching the computer on because there are so many poems