When I write a poem, I go into a state of self-forgetfulness, and something higher takes over; I like to call it my best self. Ben Okri callforgetfulnesshigh Change image and share on social
I believe in leavening. You can't have words sticking out too much, like promontories. They disturb the density. You have to flatten them, or raise the surrounding terrain. Ben Okri densitydisturbflatten Change image and share on social
You see, I was told stories, we were all told stories as kids in Nigeria. We had to tell stories that would keep one another interested, and you weren't allowed to tell stories that everybody else knew. You had to dream up new ones. Ben Okri allowdreaminterest share on social
I lived rough, by my wits, was homeless, lived on the streets, lived on friends' floors, was happy, was miserable. Ben Okri floorfriendhappy Change image and share on social
Stories can conquer fear, you know. They can make the heart bigger. Ben Okri bigconquerfear Change image and share on social
We never think that our mothers will die. It was like suddenly an abyss opened at my feet - I was standing on nothing. It was the strangest thing. Her passing away ripped the solidity out of the world. Ben Okri abyssdiefoot share on social
Some of my reactions are very Nigerian. I still believe that words are things. Ben Okri nigerianreactionthing Change image and share on social
I learned that life will go through changes - up and down and up again. It's what life does. Ben Okri learnlife Change image and share on social
Artists and writers have to deal with the element that makes the real real and the dream real while you are dreaming it. That's where stories and poems get their power. Ben Okri artistdealdream Change image and share on social