Galway Kinnell, born on February 1, 1927, in Providence, Rhode Island, was a celebrated American poet known for his profound exploration of human emotions, nature, and existence. Over his distinguished career, he earned prestigious accolades, including the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry and the National Book Award in 1983 for his collection “Selected Poems,” solidifying his place as a literary giant. Kinnell’s work often delved into themes of life, love, and mortality, drawing from personal and universal experiences. The quotes featured here are sourced from his poetry books, interviews, and other writings, offering timeless wisdom. Below is a curated list of 15 insightful quotes by Galway Kinnell about life, allowing his words to resonate on their own.
15 Galway Kinnell Quotes
1. “To me, poetry is somebody standing up and saying with as little protection as possible what it is like to live on earth at this moment.” (Interview, The Paris Review, 1983)
2. “We must risk delight. We can do without pleasure, but not delight. Not enjoyment. We must have the stubbornness to accept our gladness in the ruthless furnace of this world.” (Book, “When One Has Lived a Long Time Alone,” 1990)
3. “The bud stands for all things, even those things that don’t flower, for everything flowers, from within, of self-blessing.” (Book, “Flower Herding on Mount Monadnock,” 1964)
4. “In the act of creation, we become more than we were.” (Interview, NPR, 2001)
5. “Life is a constant process of losing and gaining.” (Book, “The Book of Nightmares,” 1971)
6. “Love is the bridge between you and everything.” (Book, “The Avenue Bearing the Initial of Christ into the New World,” 1960)
7. “We are here to abet creation and to witness it.” (Book, “Selected Poems,” 1982)
8. “Death is absolute and without memorial, as my father told me early on.” (Book, “The Book of Nightmares,” 1971)
9. “The miracle is not to fly in the air, or to walk on the water, but to walk on the earth.” (Interview, The New Yorker, n.d.)
10. “Every day is a new day, and you’ll never be able to find happiness if you don’t move on.” (Interview, Boston Globe, 1992)
11. “Poetry is the journal of a sea animal living on land, wanting to fly in the air.” (Interview, The New Yorker, 1975)
12. “We have to be braver than we think we can be, because God is with us.” (Book, “When One Has Lived a Long Time Alone,” 1990)
13. “Life’s work is to wake up, to let the things that enter into your heart kill you.” (Book, “The Bear,” 1966)
14. “The only courage that matters is the courage to live the life you want.” (Interview, PBS, 1985)
15. “And I am the arrow, the dew that supports the cornerstone of the morning.” (Book, “Selected Poems,” 1982)
These quotes by Galway Kinnell illuminate his deep reverence for life’s intricacies, revealing a man who saw beauty in vulnerability, transformation in loss, and meaning in the everyday. They reflect his gentle wisdom, urging us to embrace existence with openness and courage. As we ponder his words, consider how they speak to your own journey—what resonates most with you? Share your reflections in the comments and join the conversation.