And he goes through life, his mouth open, and his mind closed.

And he goes through life, his mouth open, and his mind closed.

The best time to hold your tongue is the time you feel you must say something or bust. -Josh Billings.

The best time to hold your tongue is the time you feel you must say something or bust. -Josh Billings.

A good listener is not only popular everywhere, but after a while he gets to know something. -Wilson Mizner.

A good listener is not only popular everywhere, but after a while he gets to know something. -Wilson Mizner.

In listening mood she seemed to stand,
The guardian Naiad of the strand.

In listening mood she seemed to stand,
The guardian Naiad of the strand.

Much silence makes a powerful noise. -African proverb.

Much silence makes a powerful noise. -African proverb.

Well done is better than well said. -Unknown.

Well done is better than well said. -Unknown.

I have learned as much about writing about my people by listening to blues and jazz and spirituals as I read more

I have learned as much about writing about my people by listening to blues and jazz and spirituals as I have by reading novels.

A good listener is usually thinking about something else.

A good listener is usually thinking about something else.

Be a good listener. Your ears will never get you in trouble.

Be a good listener. Your ears will never get you in trouble.