Poets shouldn't commit suicide. That would leave the world … - Nikki Giovanni

" "
Poets shouldn't commit suicide. That would leave the world to those without imaginations or hearts. That would bequeath to the world a mangled syntax and no love of champagne. Poets must live in misery and ecstasy, to sing a song with the katydids. Poets should be ashamed to die before they kiss the sun.

Nikki Giovanni

Sources available for members. Sign up free to see where this quote comes from

English

Collect this quote

About Nikki Giovanni

Nikki Giovanni (June 7, 1943 – December 9, 2024) was an American poet, writer, commentator, activist, and educator.

Also Known As

Birth Name: Yolande Cornelia Giovanni Jr.

Alternative Names: Yolande Cornelia Giovanni, Jr

All quotes from Nikki Giovanni Similar Quotes by other Originators

Originators like Nikki Giovanni:

Muriel Rukeyser Suman Pokhrel Mary Oliver William Carlos Williams Gwendolyn Brooks

Additional quotes by Nikki Giovanni

If I were advising someone on a writing career, the deal is this: write. If you get it published, good. If somebody pays you, better, because you have to eat, but the deal is you have to write.

it is not unusual
that the old bury the young though it is an abomination
...those who make war
call themselves diplomats
...the unfaithful pray loudest
...we judge a man by his dreams
not alone his deeds
...by his intent
not alone his shortcomings
...it is not unusual
to know him through those who love him

i hope my shoulder finds a head that needs nestling
...i hope i die
warmed
by the life that i tried
to live

Poets shouldn't commit suicide. That would leave the world to those without imaginations or hearts. That would bequeath to the world a mangled syntax… - Nikki Giovanni

About Nikki Giovanni

Also Known As

Advanced Search Filters

Additional quotes by Nikki Giovanni