Quotes from work
Just Kids

Just Kids
Patti Smith

Just Kids is a memoir by Patti Smith, published on January 19, 2010, documenting her relationship with artist Robert Mapplethorpe."I didn't write it to be cathartic," she noted. "I wrote it because Robert asked me to… Our relationship was such that I knew what he would want and the quality of what he deserved. So that was my agenda for writing that book. I wrote it to fulfil my vow to him, which was on his deathbed. In finishing, I did feel that I'd fulfilled my promise."

Patti Smith photo

“I don't think," he insisted. "I feel.”

Patti Smith Just Kids

Source: Just Kids

Patti Smith photo

“Who can know the heart of youth but youth itself?”

Patti Smith Just Kids

Source: Just Kids

Patti Smith photo

“Within that moment was trust, compassion, and our mutual sense of irony. He was carrying death within him and I was carrying life. We were both aware of that, I know.”

Patti Smith Just Kids

Source: Just Kids

Patti Smith photo

“No one expected me. Everything awaited me.”

Patti Smith Just Kids

Source: Just Kids

Patti Smith photo

“Patti, did art get us?'
I looked away, not really wanting to think about it. 'I don't know, Robert. I don't know.'
Perhaps it did, but no one could regret that. Only a fool would regret being had by art; or a saint.”

Patti Smith Just Kids

Source: Just Kids

Patti Smith photo

“Where does it all lead? What will become of us? These were our young questions, and young answers were revealed. It leads to each other. We become ourselves.”

Patti Smith Just Kids

Source: Just Kids