Favorite poems are like favorite children. We definitely have them but we never tell as the others would have their feelings hurt.
Nikki GiovanniRead
And you will understand all too soon That you, my children of battle, are your heroes
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes that each individual possesses the strength and capability to be their own hero in challenging times.
In this quote, Nikki Giovanni conveys a powerful message about self-empowerment and heroism. She addresses individuals enduring struggles and battles, particularly the younger generation, suggesting that they should recognize their own strength and ability to overcome challenges. Rather than seeking heroes in others, they should embrace their own potential and realize that they have the power to be their own heroes in times of adversity.
In practice
In an inspirational speech at a youth empowerment event.
Favorite poems are like favorite children. We definitely have them but we never tell as the others would have their feelings hurt.
I want to be clear about this. If you wrote from experience, you'd get maybe one book, maybe three poems. Writers write from empathy.
A lot of people resist transition and therefore never allow themselves to enjoy who they are. Embrace the change, no matter what it is; once you do, you can learn about the new world you're in and take advantage of it.
Art is not for the cultivated taste. It is to cultivate taste.
Style has a profound meaning to Black Americans. If we can’t drive, we will invent walks and the world will envy the dexterity of our feet. If we can’t have ham, we will boil chitterlings; if we are given rotten peaches, we will make cobblers; if given scraps, we will make quilts; take away our drums, and we will clap our hands. We prove the human spirit will prevail. We will take what we have to make what we need. We need confidence in our knowledge of who we are.
If you were a pure bolt of fire-cutting the skies I'd touch you-risking my life-not because I'm brave or strong, but because I'm fascinated by what the outcome would be.
One of the greatest sermons ever pronounced on missionary work is this simple thought attributed to Saint Francis of Assisi: “Preach the gospel at all times and if necessary, use words.” Opportunities to do so are all around us. Do not miss them by waiting too long on the road to Damascus.
For all our failings, despite our limitations and fallibilities, we humans are capable of greatness.
There is nothing like a dream to create the future.
I've felt some great feelings on the baseball field... in front of 50,000 people and millions on TV... but the feeling you get when you give a kid a chance, that is a hundred times greater than that feeling.
I want to show little girls that the possibilities are endless. That's my goal - to not only do it for myself, but to show them I can do whatever I put my mind to.
I don't have ugly ducklings turning into swans in my stories. I have ugly ducklings turning into confident ducks.
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