life is like the weather, unpredictable, with chances of rain, and sunny days interrupted by thunderstorms and blizzards. But even with the uncontrollable weather, a person has choices. You can grab an umbrella, wear thick socks and snow boots, put on a hat or jacket, or lather up with sunscreen. Now some people don't consider their choices and make bad ones. Those people will stand outside in a snowstorm without a coat and blame their being cold on the weather.

"People ask me how I can stay in Alabama. Why wouldn't I leave? Alabama is my home. I love Alabama--the hot days in summer and the thunderstorms in winter. I love the smell of the air and the green of the woods. Alabama has always been God's country to me, and it always will be. I love Alabama, but I don't love the State of Alabama. Since my release, not one prosecutor, or state attorney general, or anyone having anything to do with my conviction has apologized. I doubt they ever will.

A poet is a man who manages, in a lifetime of standing out in thunderstorms, to be struck by lightning five or six times.

The thunderstorms of myriad dreams drench me on moonless nights.

Thunderstorms are as much our friends as the sunshine.