Life is a big sea full of many fish. I let down my nets and pulled. I'm still pulling.

The rhythm of life is a jazz rhythm

Most musicians remain poor. But the music that they make, even if it does not bring them millions, gives millions of people happiness.

For my best poems were all written when I felt the worst. When I was happy, I didn't write anything.

Why should I want to be white? I am a Negro - and beautiful!

Melting pot Harlem-Harlem of honey and chocolate and caramel and rum and vinegar and lemon and lime and gall. Dusky dream Harlem rumbling into a nightmare tunnel where the subway from the Bronx keeps right on downtown.

Peace We passed their graves: The dead men there, Winners or losers, Did not care. In the dark They could not see Who had gained The victory.