We never know we are beings till we love. And then it is we know the powers and potentialities of human existence.

- Jean Toomer

To understand a new idea, break an old habit.

- Jean Toomer

some genius of the South With blood-hot eyes and cane-lipped scented mouth, Surprised in making folk-songs from soul sounds.

- Jean Toomer

No eyes that have seen beauty ever lose their sight.

- Jean Toomer

In a sick world, it is the first duty of the artist to get well.

- Jean Toomer

O singers, resinous and soft your songsAbove the sacred whisper of the pines,Give virgin lips to cornfield concubines,Bring dreams of Christ to dusky…

- Jean Toomer

Thunder blossoms gorgeously above our heads, Great, hollow, bell-like flowers

- Jean Toomer

Whats beauty anyway but ugliness if it hurts you?

- Jean Toomer

If you have heard a Jewish cantor sing, if he has touched you and made your own sorrow seem trivial when compared with his, you will know my feeling …

- Jean Toomer