Gwendolyn Brooks, an esteemed American poet, left an indelible mark on literature through her powerful verses that explore themes of race, identity, social justice, and the human experience. Her words are a reflection of her keen observations and her commitment to shedding light on the complexities of life. In this article, we present a compilation of the top 10 quotes by Gwendolyn Brooks that showcase her poetic brilliance, her advocacy for marginalized voices, and her enduring impact on literature and social consciousness.
Top 10 Gwendolyn Brooks Quotes
We are each other’s harvest; we are each other’s business; we are each other’s magnitude and bond.
From “Paul Robeson,” Brooks’ lines highlight the interconnectedness and responsibility of individuals within a community.
Live not for battles won. / Live not for the-end-of-the-song. / Live in the along.
In “Boy Breaking Glass,” Brooks’ words emphasize the importance of embracing the present moment.
I think it is possible that we / are here in order to say: / ‘Be the bearer of unbearable sorrow / and know that it is not intolerable.’ / If the hero is brave / the coward is brave.
From “To Those of My Sisters Who Kept Their Naturals,” Brooks explores the idea of shared burdens and the courage to confront them.
What shall I give my children? who are poor, / Who are adjudged the leastwise of the land, / Who are my sweetest lepers, who demand / No velvet and no velvety velour.
In “The Children of the Poor,” Brooks reflects on the challenges faced by disadvantaged children.
We real cool. We / Left school. We
From “We Real Cool,” Brooks’ succinct lines capture the defiant spirit of young individuals.
Where is our memory of them? / Where are the three thousand / human things our Town / did yesterday?
In “The Last Quatrain of the Ballad of Emmett Till,” Brooks addresses the tragic loss of a young life and the collective responsibility to remember.
Come you, cartoonists, hang yourselves with your own lines. / Borrow of none.
From “The Chicago Defender Sends a Man to Little Rock,” Brooks’ lines demand accountability and integrity in journalism.
My dreams, my works, must wait till after hell.
In “The Second Sermon on the Warpland,” Brooks reflects on the persistence required to pursue one’s creative endeavors.
Live so that your friends can defend you but never have to.
Brooks’ quote imparts a lesson in self-sufficiency and integrity in “Savior.”
Art hurts. Art urges voyages— / and it is easier to stay at home.
From “The Near-Johannesburg Boy,” Brooks’ lines capture the discomfort and transformative power of artistic creation.
In conclusion, Gwendolyn Brooks’ quotes reveal her keen insights, her commitment to social justice, and her ability to distill complex emotions and ideas into profound verses. Her poetic legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of using language to shed light on the human condition, confront injustice, and elevate marginalized voices. Brooks’ impact as a poet and advocate continues to resonate, inspiring readers to engage with the world and to embrace their roles as witnesses, participants, and changemakers.