I originally wanted to embrace the imagery and forthrightness of rap music. There are some interesting, dynamic voices in rap. But I find most of it irresponsible in its overt violence and commercialization of anger. As artists, we believe we can will action through language. If that's the case, we have to take responsibility for what we say.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the responsibility of artists in how they express themselves, particularly in rap music, which can often portray violence and anger.
Yusef Komunyakaa reflects on his desire to harness the powerful imagery and directness found in rap music, yet acknowledges his concerns about its prevalent themes of violence and commercialization. He underscores the belief that artists possess the ability to influence action through their words, thus highlighting the moral obligation to consider the impact of their messages on society.
In practice
In a discussion about lyrical content in music, this quote could highlight the need for artists to be mindful of their influence.
Students often have such a lofty idea of what a poem is, and I want them to realize that their own lives are where the poetry comes from. The most important things are to respect the language; to know the classical rules, even if only to break them; and to be prepared to edit, to revise, to shape.
It wasn't a deliberate decision to become a poet. It was something I found myself doing - and loving. Language became an addiction.
We have to embrace the good over the bad. That has to be one's personal project.
I'm uncomfortable with the focus on the poet and not on the poem.
Poetry helps me understand who I am. It helps me understand the world around me. But above all, what poetry has taught me is the fact that I need to embrace mystery in order to be completely human.
Tonight I feel the stars are out_x000D_ to use me for target practice.
An actor really is a kind of intermediary between an audience and the piece, whether it's a play or movie.
Ballet in the air... Twin butterflies until, twice white They Meet, they mate
Fiction leaves us so much work to do, allows the individual so much input; you have to see, you have to hear, you have to taste the madeleine, and while you are seemingly passive in your chair, you have to travel.
I never consciously place symbolism in my writing. That would be a self-conscious exercise and self-consciousness is defeating to any creative act. Better to get the subconscious to do the work for you, and get out of the way. The best symbolism is always unsuspected and natural. During a lifetime, one saves up information which collects itself around centers in the mind; these automatically become symbols on a subliminal level and need only be summoned in the heat of writing.
Movies are not about the weekend that they're released, and in the grand scheme of things, that's probably the most unimportant time of a film's life.
I do most of the cooking in my head.
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