Red Clay, Running Waters Quotes

“As much as his heart remained rooted here, what lay beyond his country, beyond his nation, called to him like a cord buried deep within, pulling taut, drawing him away.”
― Leslie K. Simmons, Red Clay, Running Waters

“He was shy in her presence the next morning, his brittle spirit quenched enough not to shatter. The children did not see the ghost she saw, only his longed-for presence.”
― Leslie K. Simmons, Red Clay, Running Waters

“I led you here, only to bring you into something I would have spared you. Could I have known we would have what we dreamed of, only to watch it taken away?”
― Leslie K. Simmons, Red Clay, Running Waters

“Are you saying these Christians believe we will never be good enough to marry their daughters because of our race?”
― Leslie K. Simmons, Red Clay, Running Waters

“If only their life could continue as it was it would be enough. It had always been enough for her, but never enough to keep him from righting wrongs of far wider consequences.”
― Leslie K. Simmons, Red Clay, Running Waters

“I sometimes think with Moliere, Mr. Ridge, that ‘there is no folly equal to he who attempts to mend the world.’”
A single, unsuppressed laugh escaped him. “Yes,” he reluctantly replied, “but I cannot but help to attempt it, nonetheless.”
― Leslie K. Simmons, Red Clay, Running Waters

“He was her fire, had always been from the start, his burning, radiant spirit, a beacon worthy of following.”
― Leslie K. Simmons, Red Clay, Running Waters

“It is true we enjoy self-government, but we live in fear. We find ourselves in the paw of a lion. Convenience may induce him to crush us, and with a faint struggle, we may cease to be.”
― Leslie K. Simmons, Red Clay, Running Waters

“Now the ash of their aspirations lay bitter on his tongue. He was certain he would not have done differently, but oh, if only he had known how briefly the taste of the possible would be sweet on his lips.”
― Leslie K. Simmons, Red Clay, Running Waters

“They stood in the pool of lantern light, the house still around them. She placed a hand to calm his still heaving chest, the heat of his body fresh from travel. The coolness of her hand made him start, then he pulled her close. It was more than her body he needed.”
― Leslie K. Simmons, Red Clay, Running Waters

“Yes, he is a fluent and forward young man, with a great deal of Indian Pride. If only his heart were subdued by Divine grace, he might be exceedingly useful to his people.”
― Leslie K. Simmons, Red Clay, Running Waters