Ritie, don't worry 'cause you ain't pretty. Plenty pretty women I seen digging ditches or worse. You smart. I swear to God, I rather you have a good mind than a cute behind.

Adults had lost the wisdom from the surface of their faces. I reasoned that I had given up some youth for knowledge, but my gain was more valuable than the loss.

For a while I was the only recipient of Bailey's kindness. It was not that he pitied me but that he felt we were in the same boat for different reasons, and that I could countenance my withdrawal.

You only are free when you realize you belong no place — you belong every place — no place at all.

My life has been long, and believing that life loves the liver of it, I have dared to try many things, sometimes trembling, but daring, still.

A woman who is convinced that she deserves to accept only the best challenges herself to give the best. Then she is living phenomenally.

Fall gently, snowflakes Cover me with white Cold icy kisses and Let me rest tonight.