So this is what insanity is. Not goofy behavior, but watching a sudden change in the world you used to know.

It's a bad word, 'belong.' Especially when you put it with somebody you love ... You can't own a human being.

Like any artist without an art form, she became dangerous.

Would it be all right? Would it be all right to go ahead and feel? Go ahead and count on something?

I always looked upon the acts of racist exclusion, or insult, as pitiable, from the other person. I never absorbed that. I always thought that there was something deficient about such people.

When you know your name, you should hang on to it, for unless it is noted down and remembered, it will die when you do.

Gimme hate, Lord,” he whimpered. “I’ll take hate any day. But don’t give me love. I can’t take no more love, Lord. I can’t carry it...It’s too heavy. Jesus, you know, you know all about it. Ain’t it heavy? Jesus? Ain’t love heavy?