Hair Quote by Warsan Shire
“I want to love, but my hair smells of war and running and running.”
About This Quote
Source Poetry Collection: "Teaching My Mother How to Give Birth", 2011
The speaker desires love but feels burdened by the scars of conflict and relentless effort.
In simple terms: War‑torn self seeks love.
Heal from trauma to love.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- relationships
- mental health counseling
- self‑care
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What does the “smell of war” symbolize for you?
- How can you nurture love amid hardship?
Love may be hard to give while still wounded.