Shanae

“Poetry has been the longest pleasure of my life.”
― Shirley Hazzard

“Cherish your wilderness.”
― Maxine Kumin

“I am a Black woman, therefore, I am destined to protect myself. Our men have wandered too far to beckon. They are lost guardians. Thus, you learn early on how to wield your sword & hoist your shield -- how to stand shoulder to shoulder with your sister in battle and wail a cry that never seems to be loud enough. And I am tired. If only I could rest. To be a Queen with no infantry is a painful sight indeed. They do not yield to my crown. How useless is my throne, if I am to continue to fight alone?”
― Bethanee Epifani J. Bryant, Don't Fall Prey! Dating Tales, Trials, & Triumphs

“I have just realized that the stakes are myself
I have no other
ransom money, nothing to break or barter but my life”
― Diane di Prima