"And she talks about the coal. Says it oughta be red, and let people see how they get it with blood." (Chapter 1, p. 2)

The coal dust lies too far inside; it will lie there forever, like a hand squeezing your heart, choking at your throat. (Chapter 1, p. 6)

The rats shall be your birds, and the rocks plopping in the water your music. (Chapter 1, p. 7)

The ice is melting in the iceboxes faster and faster, the melting that is the women's despair. (Chapter 8, Part 1, p. 163)

Sorrow is tongueless. Apprehension tore it out long ago. (Chapter 2, p. 30)

"Ya oughta get a mule, I reckon. They're not so stubborn." (Chapter 3, p. 34)

Voices, rising and twining, beauty curving on rainbows of quiet sound, filled their hearts heavy, welled happy tears to Mazie's eyes. (Chapter 3, p. 39)

When there are gay little girls sitting high and proud in the buggies, ribbons in their hair...