We'd like to just write nothing but lyric poetry. The trouble is, the individual is going along intent on his own personal gratifications and love affairs and financial affairs and everything else. But loping alongside him is this fascist lout… — Lawrence Ferlinghetti Copy Share Image
“I am waiting for the meek to be blessed and inherit the earth... without taxes” — Lawrence Ferlinghetti Copy Share Image
We have to raise the consciousness; the only way poets can change the world is to raise the consciousness of the general populace. — Lawrence Ferlinghetti Copy Share Image
I didn’t know that painters and writers retired. They’re like soldiers – they just fade away. — Lawrence Ferlinghetti Copy Share Image
I certainly was surprised to be named Poet Laureate of this far-out city on the left side of the world, and I gratefully accept, for as I told the Mayor, "How could I refuse?" I'd rather be Poet Laureate of San Francisco than anywhere because this city has always been a poetic center, a frontier for free poetic life, with… — Lawrence Ferlinghetti Copy Share
Paperbacks weren't considered real books in the book trade. Up till then it was just murder mysteries, potboilers, 25-cent pocket books sold in newsstands.… — Lawrence Ferlinghetti Copy Share Image
The real literary editors have mostly been fired. Those that remain are all ottom line editors; everything depends on the money. — Lawrence Ferlinghetti Copy Share Image
“Cast up the heart flops over gasping 'Love' a foolish fish which tries to draw its breath from flesh of air And no one… — Lawrence Ferlinghetti Copy Share Image
The paintings may communicate even better because people are lazy and they can look at a painting with less effort than they can read… — Lawrence Ferlinghetti Copy Share Image
Poetry can change the world, just like any art can change the world, by changing consciousness. Of course this was the great slogan of… — Lawrence Ferlinghetti Copy Share Image
Almost every truly creative being alienated & expatriated in his own country — Lawrence Ferlinghetti Copy Share Image
