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Quote by Laurie Halse Anderson

“Mr. Freeman taps his chin. He looks way too serious to be an art teacher. He's making me nervous. Mr. Freeman: "This has meaning. Pain." The bell rings. I leave before he can say more.”

Quote by Laurie Halse Anderson

Book:Speak
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Work

Speak

Speak is a narrative that delves into the life of a young girl, her experiences with sexual awakening, and the challenges she faces in a society that often misunderstands and judges her. The story is a powerful exploration of the human condition, the search for self, and the courage it takes to speak one's truth. more

Author

Laurie Halse Anderson
Laurie Halse Anderson

Laurie Halse Anderson is an American author known for her young adult literature. Her works often explore the challenges and growth of adolescence, and are highly appreciated by young readers. more

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“Where did you come from, lamentable quality? Before I had a life you were about to ruin my life. The mystery of this stays with me. “Don’t brood about things,” my elders said. I hadn’t any other experience of enemies from inside. They were all from outside—big boys Who cursed me and hit me; motorists; falling trees. All these you were as bad as, yet inside. When I spoke, you were there. I could avoid you by singing or acting. I acted in school plays but was no good at singing. Immediately after the play you were there again. You ruined the cast party. You were not a sign of confidence. You were not a sign of manliness. You were stronger than good luck and bad; you survived them both. You were slowly edged out of my throat by psychoanalysis You who had been brought in, it seems, like a hired thug To beat up both sides and distract them From the main issue: oedipal love. You were horrible! Tell them, now that you’re back in your thug country, That you don’t have to be so rough next time you’re called in But can be milder and have the same effect—unhappiness and pain.”

PainPoetryPoemUnhappinessSpeakingStutteringStammeringSpeech Impediments
Author:Kenneth Koch
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