It's all a farce, - these tales they tell About the breezes sighing, And moans astir o'er field and dell, Because the year is dying.
Paul Laurence DunbarRead
I hope there is something worthy in my writings and not merely the novelty of a black face associated with the power to rhyme that has attracted attention.
Interpretation
The quote expresses a desire for the significance of oneβs work to be appreciated beyond superficial traits.
Paul Laurence Dunbar's quote highlights the importance of substance in writing, emphasizing that he hopes his literary contributions are valued for their worth rather than the novelty of his identity as a Black poet. He calls attention to the tendency for superficial attributes to overshadow true talent and meaningful expression, advocates for genuine recognition of artistic merit, and challenges societal biases in literature.
In practice
A poet presenting their work at a literary festival might share this quote to emphasize the depth of their craft.
It's all a farce, - these tales they tell About the breezes sighing, And moans astir o'er field and dell, Because the year is dying.
A crust of bread and a corner to sleep in. A minute to smile and an hour to weep in. A pint of joy to a peck of trouble, And never a laugh but the moans come double. And that is life. A crust and a corner that makes love precious, With a smile to warm and tears to refresh us, And joy seems sweeter when cares come after, And a moan is the finest of foils for laughter. And that is life.
I know what the caged bird feels, alas!
When I was a mailman, writing songs was my escape from the regular world, and now writing songs is my job. And I've always been one to avoid my job.
They wasn't gonna give you nothin'. I didn't care as long as they let me play my music. Cash on the spot... You cheat me and I'm gonna get me some money, too.
If the imagination is shackled, and nothing is described but what we see, seldom will anything truly great be produced either in Painting or Poetry
Dancers today can do anything; the technique is phenomenal. The passion and the meaning to their movement can be another thing.
Write with the door closed, rewrite with the door open. Your stuff starts out being just for you, in other words, but then it goes out. Once you know what the story is and get it right β as right as you can, anyway β it belongs to anyone who wants to read it. Or criticize it.
A writer should have this little voice inside of you saying, Tell the truth. Reveal a few secrets here.
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