Hungry Hearts

A man is free to go up as high as he can reach up to; but I, with all my style and pep, can't get a man my equal because a girl is always judged by her mother.

The trouble with us is that the ghetto of the Middle Ages and the children of the twentieth century have to live under one roof.

Like all people who have nothing, I lived on dreams. (beginning of "The Miracle")

Without comprehension, the immigrant would forever remain shut - a stranger in America. Until America can release the heart as well as train the hand of the immigrant, he would forever remain driven back upon himself, corroded by the very richness of the unused gifts within his soul. ("How I found America")

"The world is a wheel always turning."

"...When I only begin to read, I forget I'm on this world. It lifts me on wings with high thoughts." ("Wings")

Every breath I drew was a breath of fear, every shadow a stifling shock, every footfall struck on my heart like the heavy boot of the Cossack. (beginning of "How I Found America")