Favorite poems are like favorite children. We definitely have them but we never tell as the others would have their feelings hurt.
Nikki GiovanniRead
There is always something to do. There are hungry people to feed, naked people to clothe, sick people to comfort and make well. And while I don't expect you to save the world I do think it's not asking too much for you to love those with whom you sleep, share the happiness of those whom you call friend, engage those among you who are visionary and remove from your life those who offer you depression, despair and disrespect.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of caring for others and nurturing positive relationships in one's life.
Nikki Giovanni's quote speaks to the responsibility each person has towards their community and relationships. It suggests that while we may feel overwhelmed by the world's problems, our focus should be on loving those close to us, supporting friends, and engaging with inspiring individuals. It also highlights the need to distance ourselves from negativity in order to promote a healthier, more fulfilling life.
Themes
LoveCommunityRelationshipsSupportPositivity
In practice
Example use cases
Using this quote in a motivational speech about community service.
More from Nikki Giovanni
All quotes →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.
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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.
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Art is not for the cultivated taste. It is to cultivate taste.
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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.
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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.
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