Episode #105 Be Nobody's Darling - Alice Walker

In this episode Connor and Jack take on "Be Nobody's Darling" by Alice Walker. They discuss what it means to be an outsider, different types of outsider, and how Walker's history of activism as well as her uncomfortable affinity for antisemitic conspiracy theories influence their readings of the poem.

Be Nobody’s Darling

By: Alice Walker

Be nobody's darling;

Be an outcast.

Take the contradictions

Of your life

And wrap around

You like a shawl,

To parry stones

To keep you warm.

Watch the people succumb

To madness

With ample cheer;

Let them look askance at you

And you askance reply.

Be an outcast;

Be pleased to walk alone

(Uncool)

Or line the crowded

River beds

With other impetuous

Fools.

Make a merry gathering

On the bank

Where thousands perished

For brave hurt words

They said.

But be nobody's darling;

Be an outcast.

Qualified to live

Among your dead.

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