Poetry Is A Political Act Because It

There Is A Man Who Exists As One Of The Most Popular Objects Of Leadership, Legislation, And Quasi-literature In The History Of All Men. . . . This Man, That Object Of Attention, Attack, And Vast Activity, Cannot Make Himself Be Heard, Let Alone Understood. He Has Never Been Listened To. . . . That Man Is Black And Alive In White America Where The Media Of Communication Do Not Allow The Delivery Of His Own Voice, His Own Desires, His Own Rage.

As A Child I Was Taught That To Tell The Truth Was Often Painful. As An Adult I Have Learned That Not To Tell The Truth Is More Painful, And That The Fear Of Telling The Truth - Whatever The Truth May Be - That Fear Is The Most Painful Sensation Of A Moral Life.

Like Running Trying To Live A Good Life Has To Hurt A Little Bit, Or We're Not Running Hard Enough, Not Really Trying.

I Think I Have Come To A Place Where I'm Able To Feel More Comfortable About Being Honest.

If We Even Tolerate Any Oppression Of Gay And Lesbian Americans, If We Join Those Who Would Intrude Upon The Choices Of Our Hearts, Then Who Among Us Shall Be Free?