How we cite our quotes: (Line)
Quote #4
But she nonetheless brought the books
Back and I held them to my chest
Close to my heart
And happily skipped back to grandmother's house (33-36)
In the previous two stanzas, Giovanni speaks of the racism that Mrs. Long had to brave in order to get books for her to read. But all of that unpleasantness evaporates and we see a happy girl, totally unaware of any trials, skipping down the street. It doesn't seem possible that a girl who can read philosophy would be young enough to skip home. Perhaps Giovanni exaggerates her youth here to emphasize her innocent outlook on the world.
Quote #5
I loved the world where I was
I was safe and warm and grandmother gave me neck kisses
When I was on my way to bed (40-42)
If you are wondering how the young poet really felt about her life in Knoxville, there you have it. There is no sense of anything but love, kindness, and safety in her life, despite what was going on in the world outside. Kudos to Mrs. Long and grandma for creating such a web of happiness.