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Quote by Alice Walker

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Taking the Arrow Out of the Heart

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Author

Alice Walker
Alice Walker

Alice Walker is a renowned American author born on February 9, 1944. Her works are known for their profound social criticism and feminist ideas, with notable titles including 'The Color Purple' and 'Beloved'. more

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“After my mom died she ate my father up completely. She would have hated it. Every minute of his life since then has been marked by her absence, every action has lacked dimension because she is not there to measure against. And when I was young I didn't understand, but now, I know, how absence can be present, like a damaged nerve, like a dark bird. If I had to live on without you I know I could not do it. But I hope, I have this vision of you walking unencumbered, with your shining hair in the sun. I have not seen this with my eyes, but only with my imagination, that makes pictures, that always wanted to paint you, shining; but I hope that this vision will be true, anyway.”

“Even on those days the news is fully bad. And all you can do is get out of bed and failing that give thanks you have a bed not to get out of. What does it take to make us smile when we feel the sword of anger and hatred sharp against the backs of our peaceful necks? What does it take to make us stand together as if we just grew that way? What does it take to know the day of peace and justice will one day come? No matter who is so badly directing traffic? What does it take to feel a joy so strong you can almost levitate? All it takes, really, is presence, knowing that you, and those who feel as you do, ignoring roadblocks will arrive. Will brave the flights, the slights, the nights of wondering if and why: the years of pain sometimes required to know where it is most essential to appear.”