I learnt all the words worthy of the court of blood So that I could break the rule I learnt all the words and broke them up To make a single word: Homeland.
Mahmoud DarwishRead
Against barbarity, poetry can resist only by confirming its attachment to human fragility like a blade of grass growing on a wall while armies march by.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Poetry serves as a reminder of human vulnerability in the face of destruction and conflict.
In this quote, Mahmoud Darwish suggests that poetry has the power to resist the brutality of the world, but its strength lies in recognizing and embracing human fragility. The imagery of a blade of grass growing on a wall amidst the march of armies symbolizes resilience and beauty in the midst of conflict, highlighting the importance of art as a means of preserving humanity.
Themes
PoetryFragilityResistanceHumanityArt
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about art's role in society, one might use this quote to emphasize the importance of poetry in understanding our shared vulnerabilities.
More from Mahmoud Darwish
All quotes βFar away, our dreams have nothing to do with what we do. The wind carries the night, and passes on, aimless.
Mahmoud DarwishRead
Some people ask, 'How do you attract the young and so many different people when your poetry is complicated and different?' I say, 'My accomplishment is that my readers trust me and accept my suggestions for change.'
Mahmoud DarwishRead
The days have taught you not to trust happiness because it hurts when it deceives.
Mahmoud DarwishRead
A person can only be born in one place. However, he may die several times elsewhere: in the exiles and prisons, and in a homeland transformed by the occupation and oppression into a nightmare.
Mahmoud DarwishRead
The metaphor for Palestine is stronger than the Palestine of reality.
Mahmoud DarwishRead
Similar quotes
People say to me, 'You seem to have made this conscious decision to do independent films'. In reality, I haven't. After each movie, I always think, 'how different can I possibly be? Is this going to challenge me, is this going to inspire me, and is this going to make me love my job more than I already do?'
Kate WinsletRead
The whole process of filmmaking can be chaotic, but if you can have an enthusiastic cast, you're pretty much there.
Steven KnightRead
We go to the theater to be entertained, but if what is left after you watch the movie is a sort of eye-opening perspective on some social issues, then it can be a really powerful piece of art.
Jordan PeeleRead
Overhead, the two moons worked together to bathe the world in a strange light.
Haruki MurakamiRead
Music played a large role in the survival of the black people in America β that and a sense of humor that just couldn't be enslaved.
Redd FoxxRead
If having a story that's compelling - you want to know what will happen - is traditional, then ultimately I am a traditionalist. That is what readers care about. It's what I care about as a reader. Now if I can have that along with a strong girding of ideas and some kind of exciting technical forays - then that is just the jackpot.
Jennifer EganRead