Come celebrate with me that every day something has tried to kill me and has failed.
Lucille CliftonRead
I write from my knowledge not my lack, from my strength not my weakness. I am not interested if anyone knows whether or not I am familiar with big words, I am interested in trying to render big ideas in a simple way. I am interested in being understood not admired.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of clarity in communication and prioritizing understanding over superficial admiration.
In this quote, Lucille Clifton reflects on the essence of writing and communication. She expresses a desire to convey substantial ideas in a straightforward manner rather than focusing on complex vocabulary or seeking validation from others. This approach conveys a strength derived from knowledge and confidence, underscoring that effective communication is about making ideas accessible to all rather than showcasing personal intellect.
Themes
CommunicationWritingUnderstandingSimplicityKnowledge
In practice
Example use cases
In a writing workshop, to motivate participants to value clarity in their work, I might use this quote.
More from Lucille Clifton
All quotes →I am running into a new year and the old years blow back like a wind that I catch in my hair like strong fingers like all my old promises and it will be hard to let go of what I said to myself about myself when I was sixteen and twenty-six and thirty-six but I am running into a new year and I beg what i love and I leave to forgive me.
Lucille CliftonRead
You might as well answer the door, my child, the truth is furiously knocking.
Lucille CliftonRead
won't you celebrate with me what i have shaped into a kind of life? i had no model. born in babylon both nonwhite and woman what did i see to be except myself? i made it up here on this bridge between starshine and clay, my one hand holding tight my other hand; come celebrate with me that everyday something has tried to kill me and has failed.
Lucille CliftonRead
If i should enter the house and speak with my own voice, at last, about its awful furnitutre, pulling apart the covering over the dusty bodies; the randy father, the husband holding ice in his hand like a blessing, the mother bleeding into herself and the small imploding girl, i say if i should walk into that web, who will come flying after me, leaping tall buildings? you?
Lucille CliftonRead
blessing the boats (at saint mary’s) may the tide that is entering even now the lip of our understanding carry you out beyond the face of fear may you kiss the wind then turn from it certain that it will love your back may you open your eyes to water water waving forever and may you in your innocence sail through this to that
Lucille CliftonRead
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