American Giants

Famous quotes containing the words american and/or giants:

    Someone is always at my elbow reminding me that I am the grand-daughter of slaves. It fails to register depression with me. Slavery is sixty years in the past. The operation was successful and the patient is doing well, thank you. The terrible struggle that made me an American out of a potential slave said “On the line!” The Reconstruction said “Go!” I am off to a flying start and I must not halt in the stretch to look behind and weep.
    Zora Neale Hurston (1891–1960)

    But can see better there, and laughing there
    Pity the giants wallowing on the plain.
    ...
    Pygmies expand in cold impossible air,
    Cry fie on the giantshine, poor glory which
    Pounds breast-bone punily, screeches, and has
    Reached no Alps: or, knows no Alps to reach.
    Gwendolyn Brooks (b. 1917)