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.