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hanif is undoubtedly one of the greats. i was introduced to his work through twitter (sorry i would never deadname anything or anyone but I ain't calling it that goofy shit) a few years back and it instantly lit something within me ablaze. such a prolific voice and incredible author! i've had the privilege of getting to indulge in his work over these past few months but even after all this time something always pulls me back to this essay.
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Jul 1, 2025

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Love love love Hanif. I had the honor to meet him a few years ago and he is just as beautiful and lovely in person as you would think. This essay is everything.
Jul 1, 2025
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@ANOTHER_FIG That is genuinely so cool that you've met him and had a good experience! It fills me with joy knowing that the art we consume comes from kind hearted individuals who care about others and carry a profound sense of humility within their humanity.
Jul 1, 2025
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Hanif Abdurraqib is my favorite American poet; this is a particular favorite, as well as โ€œThe Summer A Tribe Called Quest Broke Upโ€
Apr 13, 2024
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Spring is upon us (itโ€™s only Jan 26 lol). Itโ€™s time for crushes blooming from your spring awakenings. I also would be remiss not to express on my second recommendation that I am a stan of Hanif Abdurraqib.
Jan 26, 2024
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would read an essay by this man about literally anything
Jan 24, 2024

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as many very wise people have said comparison is the thief of fucking joy. I mean you hear these things time and time again but the validity of the statement never really reigns true until you are on the other side of it; in the muck, reflecting on all the ways in which you are not where you are "supposed" to be or meandering over the experiences everyone else around you has had. I won't lie to you and say that I fully believe that the derailments we face or the adversities one might endure are necessarily all products of "higher" teachings BUT I do believe that we rob ourselves of so much dignity when we use these hardships as anchors to what the rest of the world is pushing upon you. it is okay to take your time. it is okay to fail and not know how to pick back up the pieces. society SHOULD encourage everyone to move in accordance to their own natural rhythm and not make people conform into these perceived notions of growth. move at your own pace. we are all flailing around trying to figure this shit out. seek fulfillment as you chose. be gentler with yourself. being alive is already hard enough, and you've made it this far... and that pretty fucking incredible to me!
Jun 26, 2025