Politics can be the graveyard of the poet. And only poetry can be his resurrection.

Good morning, daddy! Ain't you heard The boogie-woogie rumble Of a dream deferred? • • • • You think It's a happy beat?

One of the great difficulties about being a member of a minority race is that so many kindhearted, well-meaning bores gather around to help.

How still, How strangely still The water is today, It is not good For water To be so still that way. ~ "Sea Calm

My seeking has been to explain and illuminate the Negro condition in America and obliquely that of all human kind.

My soul has grown deep like the rivers.

I wish the rent Was heaven sent.