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Quote by William Stafford

“Next time what I'd do is look at the earth before saying anything. I'd stop just before going into a house and be an emperor for a minute and listen better to the wind or to the air being still. When anyone talked to me, whether blame or praise or just passing time, I'd watch the face, how the mouth has to work, and see any strain, any sign of what lifted the voice. And for all, I'd know more -- the earth bracing itself and soaring, the air finding every leaf and feather over forest and water, and for every person the body glowing inside the clothes like a light.”

Quote by William Stafford

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An Oregon Message

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Author

William Stafford
William Stafford

William Stafford was an American poet known for his concise and straightforward style. His works often explore the relationship between the individual and society, as well as profound reflections on the nature and existence of humans. Born on January 17, 1914, and died on August 28, 1993. more

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“I have a hunch the world is darker than I could ever imagine and there is less reason for hope than I am able to see. It makes me grateful there is only so much I can see, and I am left mostly with questions. Grateful, also, that hope is not a reasonable thing. Though I have seen my share of darkness, I am spared perceiving much of it. And here is why I hope beyond a reasonable doubt: I think that as the darkness grows, it makes the dim lights that are left seem brighter. And the darker it gets, the brighter the light appears, until it is so luminous, eventually, even falling shadows are filled with it.”

“Port o rochie gri, în volută, îmi amintește de felul în care valurile se sparg cenușiu și tulbure de coastă la Marea Nordului. În orașul ăsta nimeni nu își poartă sufletul pe dinafară, nimeni nu își varsă amarul, ci doar, ocazional, berea. Cuvintele ies spurcate și abrupte din guri, ca-ntr-o babilonie a grăbiților, nu pot să le deslușesc destule emoții, nu pot să mă hrănesc de pe buzele lor. Străzile miros urât și mă forțează să-mi îndes capul într-un fular negru sub care aș putea trece cu ușurință drept o fată afgană. Sunt prea puțini oamenii care ne vor și prea mulți cei care ne vor schimbați.”