"Through the years I have seen myself as a peaceful person, but the awareness of the anger is part of that process."
Yusef KomunyakaaTiny Panda Quotes
Quotes by Yusef Komunyakaa
Yusef Komunyakaa, born on April 29, 1947, in Bogalusa, Louisiana, is a Pulitzer Prize-winning poet renowned for his vivid imagery and poignant exploration of war, memory, and identity. A Vietnam War veteran, his experiences deeply influenced his work, most notably in his acclaimed collection "Dien Cai Dau," which grapples with the complexities of combat and trauma. Komunyakaa's voice resonates through his powerful storytelling and innovative use of language, establishing him as a significant figure in contemporary American poetry. His legacy continues to inspire both readers and writers alike.
5 quotes found
"I define poetry as celebration and confrontation. When we witness something, are we responsible for what we witness? That's an on-going existential question. Perhaps we are and perhaps there's a kind of daring, a kind of necessary energetic questioning. Because often I say it's not what we know, it's what we can risk discovering."
Yusef Komunyakaa"Students often have such a lofty idea of what a poem is, and I want them to realize that their own lives are where the poetry comes from. The most important things are to respect the language; to know the classical rules, even if only to break them; and to be prepared to edit, to revise, to shape."
Yusef Komunyakaa"Poetry helps me understand who I am. It helps me understand the world around me. But above all, what poetry has taught me is the fact that I need to embrace mystery in order to be completely human."
Yusef Komunyakaa
"I originally wanted to embrace the imagery and forthrightness of rap music. There are some interesting, dynamic voices in rap. But I find most of it irresponsible in its overt violence and commercialization of anger. As artists, we believe we can will action through language. If that's the case, we have to take responsibility for what we say."
Yusef Komunyakaa