When I am writing, I am trying to find out who I am, who we are, what we're capable of, how we feel, how we lose and stand up, and go on from darkness into darkness. I'm trying for that. But I'm also trying for the language. I'm trying to see how it can really sound.

But still, like air, I'll rise

Life loves the liver of it.

I'm grateful to be of use. I will not be misused or abused, but I will be of use to anybody.

If I am not good to myself, how can I expect anyone else to be good to me?

I am the dream and the hope of the slave

The Holy Spirit upon my left leads my feet without ceasing into the camp of the righteous and into the tents of the free.