What I most regretted were my silences. Of what had I ever been afraid?

If our history has taught us anything, it is that action for change directed against the external conditions of our oppressions is not enough.

We are powerful because we have survived

I am not only a casualty, I am also a warrior.

Out of my flesh that hungers and my mouth that knows comes the shape I am seeking for reason.

Afraid is a country with no exit visas.

How a diamond comes into a knot of flame How a sound comes into a word, coloured By who pays what for speaking. Some words are open. Love is a word another kind of open — As a diamond comes into a knot of flame I am black because I come from the earth's inside. Take my word for jewel in your open light.