(9 February 1944 - / Eatonton Georgia)

poet Alice Walker
#77 on top 500 poets
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Expect Nothing

Expect nothing. Live frugally
On surprise.
become a stranger
To need of pity
Or, if compassion be freely
Given out
Take only enough
Stop short of urge to plead
Then purge away the need.

Wish for nothing larger
Than your own small heart
Or greater than a star;
Tame wild disappointment
With caress unmoved and cold
Make of it a parka
For your soul.

Discover the reason why
So tiny human midget
Exists at all
So scared unwise
But expect nothing. Live frugally
On surprise.

Submitted: Monday, January 13, 2003
Edited: Tuesday, March 20, 2012


Read poems about / on: star, heart

Comments about this poem (Expect Nothing by Alice Walker )

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  • Albert Price (3/20/2013 8:48:00 PM)

    Live frugally - - - let surprises energize. Beautiful.

    0 person liked.
    		1 person did not like.
  • Michael Morgan (3/20/2012 8:36:00 AM)

    Wonderful stoical sentiments economically unrolled. Great poem!

    3 person liked.
    		8 person did not like.
  • Dave Walker (3/11/2012 12:43:00 PM)

    A really fantastic poem, short but to the point, love it.
    May i invite you to read my poem called,
    Holy Man.

    5 person liked.
    		5 person did not like.
  • Karen Deeks (3/10/2012 5:00:00 AM)

    Beautiful words so finely put...

    7 person liked.
    		4 person did not like.
  • Kainwo Moses (7/12/2009 7:49:00 AM)

    The world would be a better place if all were to live like this expecting nothing. The world would be rid of suicides. My ambitious spirit tells me I can. Yes I can!

    5 person liked.
    		5 person did not like.
  • Glorr Kkk (5/8/2008 10:58:00 AM)

    this poem is soo inspirational<3.
    i have to do a huge assignment on alice walker
    and thank god i found this poem.
    it makes my day.

    4 person liked.
    		4 person did not like.
  • Mattie Jay (5/5/2008 2:33:00 PM)

    inspiring and inciteful!

    6 person liked.
    		4 person did not like.
  • Blue angel Florida (9/21/2007 7:50:00 PM)

    'Expect Nothing' Experience Everything.

    9 person liked.
    		4 person did not like.
  • Mo. (8/11/2007 1:52:00 PM)

    Inspirational Poem!

    4 person liked.
    		7 person did not like.
Read all 9 comments »

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