Karen Hesse, Out of the Dust

"The way I see it, hard times aren't only about money,or drought,or dust.Hard times are about losing spirit,and hope,and what happens when dreams dry up."

Karen Hesse, Out of the Dust

"I turn my back on him as he goes,and settle myself in the parlor,and touch Ma's piano.My fingers leave sighsin the dust."

Karen Hesse, Out of the Dust

"When I rode the train west,I went looking for something,but I didn't see anything wonderful.I didn't see anything better than what I already had.Home."

Karen Hesse, Out of the Dust

"...the morning with the whole day waiting,full of promise,the nightof quiet, of no expectations, of rest.And the certainty of home, the one I live in,and the onethat lives in me."

Karen Hesse, Out of the Dust