Africa Quote by Léopold Sédar Senghor
““New York! I say New York, let black blood flow into your blood. Let it wash the rust from your steel joints, like an oil of life Let it give your bridges the curve of hips and supple vines. Now the ancient age returns, unity is restored, The recociliation of the Lion and Bull and Tree Idea links to action, the ear to the heart, sign to meaning. See your rivers stirring with musk alligators And sea cows with mirage eyes. No need to invent the Sirens. Just open your eyes to the April rainbow And your eyes, especially your ears, to God Who in one burst of saxophone laughter Created heaven and earth in six days, And on the seventh slept a deep Negro sleep.””
About This Quote
Source Poem: “New York” (date unknown)
A vivid, surreal poem celebrates New York’s vitality, blending mythic imagery, cultural unity, and spiritual awakening.
In simple terms: A poem paints New York as alive, mythic, and spiritual.
Key Takeaway
Embrace the city’s diverse, transformative energy.
Themes
city
spirituality
myth
unity
culture
nature
Mood
energetic
visionary
poetic
Type
poetic
visionary
spiritual
When to use this quote
- Travel writing
- public speaking
- artistic inspiration
- cultural festivals
- urban planning
Key Concepts
Symbolism
ritual
cultural synthesis
urban myth
Questions to Reflect On
- What symbols connect the city to mythic elements?
- How does the poem suggest unity through diversity?
A Different Perspective
The dense imagery may obscure clear meaning for some readers.
![“The [priest] was really my teacher, because I reacted against the things he told me.” quote by Leopold Sedar Senghor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/4db/leopold-sedar-senghor-46955_priests_the-priest-was-really-my-teacher-because_497950.jpg)
