Claude McKay quotes

If a man is not faithful to his own individuality, he cannot be loyal to anything. (Claude McKay)
Idealism is like a castle in the air if it is not based on a solid foundation of social and political realism. View quote
Claude McKay
I have forgotten much, but still remember The poinsiana's red, blood-red in warm December. View quote
Claude McKay
I know the dark delight of being strange, The penalty of difference in the crowd, The loneliness of wisdom among fools. View quote
Claude McKay
Deep in the secret chambers of my heart I muse my life-long hate, and without flinch I bear it nobly as I live my part. View quote
Claude McKay
The shivering birds beneath the eaves Have sheltered for the night. View quote
Claude McKay
And, hungry for the old, familiar ways, I turned aside and bowed my head and wept. View quote
Claude McKay
Human dignity is more precious than prestige. View quote
Claude McKay
We are like trees. We wear all colors naturally. View quote
Claude McKay
Nations, like plants and human beings, grow. And if the development is thwarted they are dwarfed and overshadowed. View quote
Claude McKay
Upon the clothes behind the tenement, That hang like ghosts suspended from the lines, Linking each flat, but to each indifferent, Incongruous and strange the moonlight shines. (Claude McKay)
Like men we'll face the murderous, cowardly pack, Pressed to the wall, dying, but fighting back! View quote
Claude McKay
Oh, I must keep my heart inviolate Against the potent poison of your hate. View quote
Claude McKay
The wine-flushed, bold-eyed boys, and even the girls, Devoured her with their eager, passionate gaze; But looking at her falsely-smiling face, I knew her self was not in that strange place. View quote
Claude McKay
If we must die, O let us nobly die, So that our precious blood may not be shed In vain; then even the monsters we defy Shall be constrained to honor us though dead! View quote
Claude McKay
The pavement slabs burn loose beneath my feet, A chafing savage, down the decent street; And passion rends my vitals as I pass, Where boldly shines your shuttered door of glass. View quote
Claude McKay
Oh some I know! I have embalmed the days, Even the sacred moments when we played, All innocent of passion, uncorrupt, At noon and evening in the flame-heart's shade. View quote
Claude McKay
Although she feeds me bread of bitterness, And sinks into my throat her tiger's tooth, Stealing my breath of life, I will confess I love this cultured hell that tests my youth! View quote
Claude McKay