I tried to think of my knowledge, but it was a squirrel's heap of winter nuts. There was no strength in my knowledge any more and I felt small and naked as a new-hatched bird.
Stephen Vincent BenetRead
I have fallen in love with American names, the sharp names that never get fat.
Interpretation
The speaker expresses admiration for American names, appreciating their unique and enduring qualities.
In this quote, the author, Stephen Vincent Benet, conveys a deep affection for American names, suggesting that they possess a certain sharpness and clarity that keeps them vibrant and appealing. The metaphor of names 'never getting fat' implies that these names maintain their significance and elegance over time, evoking a sense of pride and connection to American identity and culture.
In practice
In a literary discussion about the influence of names in American culture.
I tried to think of my knowledge, but it was a squirrel's heap of winter nuts. There was no strength in my knowledge any more and I felt small and naked as a new-hatched bird.
Grant us brotherhood, not only for this day but for all our years - a brotherhood not of words but of acts and deeds.
It is forbidden to go east, but I have gone, forbidden to go on the great river, but I am there. Open your hearts, you spirits, and hear my song.
Our fathers and ourselves sowed dragon's teeth. Our children know and suffer the armed men.
You can't depend on the kind of folks people think they are - you've got to go by what they do. And I wouldn't give much for a man that some folks hadn't thought was a fool, in his time.
Go play with the towns you have built of blocks, The towns where you would have bound me! I sleep in my earth like a tired fox, And my bufdfalo have found me.
In love longing I listen to the monk's bell. I will never forget you even for an interval short as those between the bell notes.
Take bread away from me, if you wish, take air away, but do not take from me your laughter.
There is no harvest for the heart alone. The seed of love must be eternally re-sown.
Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive.
I purified my lips with sacred fire that I might speak of love, but when I opened my mouth to speak, I found myself mute.
Birds do it, bees do it, even educated fleas do it; let's do it, let's fall in love.
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