Author's PrayerIf I speak for the dead, I mustleave this animal of my body, I must write the same poem over and overfor the empty page is a white flag of their surrender. If I speak of them, I must walkon the edge of myself, I must live as a blind manwho runs through the rooms withouttouching the furniture. Yes, I live. I can cross the streets asking "What yearis it?" I can dance in my sleep and laughin front of the mirror. Even sleep is a prayer, Lord, I will praise your madness, andin a language not mine, speakof music that wakes us, musicin which we move. For whatever I sayis a kind of petition and the darkest daysmust I praise. Ilya Kaminsky
About This Quote

In this quote, the poet reveals his true feelings. He is not happy with the way he speaks about those who have passed on. In his words, he talks about the guilt and sorrow that he feels for them – and by extension – for himself. The reality of it all is that he is afraid to speak the truth and share the truth with others. By sharing these powerful and honest words, we can understand why there are so few artistic and creative people living today.

Source: Dancing In Odessa

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  3. The poet's job is to put into words those feelings we all have that are so deep, so important, and yet so difficult to name, to tell the truth in such a beautiful way, that people cannot live without it. - Jane Kenyon

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More Quotes By Ilya Kaminsky
  1. Author's PrayerIf I speak for the dead, I mustleave this animal of my body, I must write the same poem over and overfor the empty page is a white flag of their surrender. If I speak of them, I must walkon the edge of myself,...

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