I cannot shut you out the way I shut the others out, so maybe I can destroy you. Must destroy you?

I cannot shut you out the way I shut the others out, so maybe I can destroy you. Must destroy you?

Audre Lorde, a renowned poet, writer, and activist, often explored themes of power, identity, and resistance in her work. In the quote, “I cannot shut you out the way I shut the others out, so maybe I can destroy you. Must destroy you?” Lorde delves into the complexities of relationships, particularly those that challenge and disrupt the status quo.

Lorde’s words suggest a struggle with vulnerability and intimacy, as well as a desire for control and self-preservation. The idea of shutting someone out, of building walls to protect oneself from harm, is a common defense mechanism. However, Lorde acknowledges that there are certain individuals who cannot be shut out, who refuse to be silenced or ignored. These individuals may challenge our beliefs, our values, and our very sense of self.