"I am not less poet; I am more conscious of all that I am, am not, and might become"

The quote by Jean Toomer, "I am not less poet; I am more mindful of all that I am, am not, and might end up being", speaks with an evolving self-awareness and development in identity and purpose. Toomer, a main figure in the Harlem Renaissance, often faced styles of identity, introspection, and change.

At the heart of this quote is a profound assertion of personal and artistic growth. Toomer starts by affirming his identity as a poet, recommending that in spite of modifications-- whether internal or external-- his core essence remains intact. Yet, the statement "I am not less poet" suggests a defense to any idea of lessened creativity or waning artistic identity. Instead, he firmly insists that his artistry is not decreased but is elaborately tied to his developing self-knowledge.

The expression "I am more mindful of all that I am, am not, and may become" suggests an awakening to the complexities of his identity. Toomer acknowledges his present self ("all that I am"), while acknowledging the areas where he still falls short or does not have particular qualities ("am not"). This recommendation of absence or constraint does not indicate deficiency but rather highlights a realistic self-assessment. Concurrently, he considers his capacity, the hidden possibilities that live within him ("might end up being"), indicating a forward-looking viewpoint, rich with hope and the pledge of transformation.

This declaration might also show Toomer's broader exploration of racial and cultural identity. As a mixed-race person throughout a time when identity was often rigid and compartmentalized, Toomer's accept of a fluid and multifaceted identity was both extreme and liberating. His recognition of what he is and what he may become underscores a journey not bound by societal expectations but by personal reality and capacity.

In essence, Toomer's quote is a testament to the dynamic nature of identity and creativity. It highlights a fully grown awareness that includes past, present, and future selves, commemorating the journey of becoming as much as the art itself.