“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.” IfsKnowsWantImportantIdeasLanguageRealizingBreakStudentsShapesImportant ThingsPreparedBe PreparedEditsLofty Author:Yusef Komunyakaa
“It wasn't a deliberate decision to become a poet. It was something I found myself doing - and loving. Language became an addiction.” FoundLanguageDecisionPoetAddictionDeliberate Author:Yusef Komunyakaa
“Poets are seen as the caretakers of language, so working with words no matter what the form is what we do.” MatterFormLanguagePoetNo Matter WhatCaretakers Author: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.” IfsBelieveActionWantedArtistLanguageVoiceInterestingResponsibilityCasesViolenceEmbraceRapTaking ResponsibilityImageryIrresponsibleRap MusicSome InterestingCommercializationVisual Imagery Author:Yusef Komunyakaa
