The actual world, not some fantastic structure that has nothing to do with reality, must provide the material for modern poetry. Muriel Rukeyser actualfantasticmaterial Change image and share on social
I should like to use another word: 'audience' or 'reader' or 'listener' seems inadequate. I suggest the old word 'witness,' which includes the act of seeing and knowing by personal experience, as well as the act of giving evidence. Muriel Rukeyser actaudienceevidence share on social
I learned that I had been brought up as a protected, blindfolded daughter. Muriel Rukeyser blindfoldbringdaughter Change image and share on social
Breathe-in experience, breathe-out poetry. Muriel Rukeyser breatheexperiencepoetry Change image and share on social
Nourish beginnings, let us nourish beginnings. Not all things are blest, but the seeds of all things are blest. The blessing is in the seed. Muriel Rukeyser beginningblessnourish Change image and share on social
If there were no poetry on any day in the world, poetry would be invented that day. For there would be an intolerable hunger. Muriel Rukeyser dayhungerintolerable Change image and share on social
Our poems will have failed if our readers are not brought by them beyond the poems. Muriel Rukeyser bringfailpoem Change image and share on social
I hear the singing of the lives of women. They clear mystery, the offering, and pride. Muriel Rukeyser clearhearlive Change image and share on social
In our period, they say there is free speech. They say there is no penalty for poets, There is no penalty for writing poems. They say this. This is the penalty. Muriel Rukeyser freepenaltyperiod Change image and share on social
