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The Bourne Underneath the growing grass, Underneath the living flowers, Deeper than the sound of showers: There we shall not count the hours By the shadows as they pass. Youth and health will be but vain, Beauty reckoned of no worth: There a very little girth Can hold round what once the earth Seemed too narrow to contain.
Christina Rossetti
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote reflects on the transient nature of life and beauty, suggesting that true worth lies beyond superficial measures.

In this poem by Christina Rossetti, the imagery of nature juxtaposed with themes of youth and beauty illustrates the impermanence of physical attributes and life's fleeting moments. The poet invites reflection on what truly holds value and emphasizes the idea that beneath the surface pleasures of life, deeper truths and connections exist that transcend the limitations of time and appearance.

Themes

BeautyYouthImpermanenceNatureValue

In practice

Example use cases

In a motivational speech about embracing life's journey rather than solely focusing on achievements.

More from Christina Rossetti

When I am dead, my dearest, Sing no sad songs for me; Plant thou no roses at my head, Nor shady cypress tree: Be the green grass above me With showers and dewdrops wet: And if thou wilt, remember, And if thou wilt, forget. I shall not see the shadows, I shall not feel the rain; I shall not hear the nightingale Sing on as if in pain: And dreaming through the twilight That doth not rise nor set, Haply I may remember, And haply I may forget.
Christina RossettiRead
We must not look at goblin men, We must not buy their fruits: Who knows upon what soil they fed Their hungry thirsty roots?
Christina RossettiRead
To her whose heart is my heart's quiet home,_x000D_ _x000D_ To my first Love, my Mother, on whose knee_x000D_ _x000D_ I learnt love-lore that is not troublesome.
Christina RossettiRead
Yet come to me in dreams, that I may live My very life again though cold in death; Come back to me in dreams, that I may give Pulse for pulse, breath for breath: Speak low, lean low, As long ago, my love, how long ago
Christina RossettiRead
Lie still, lie still, my breaking heart; My silent heart, lie still and break: Life, and the world, and mine own self, are changed For a dream's sake.
Christina RossettiRead
I lock my door upon myself, And bar them out; but who shall wall Self from myself, most loathed of all?
Christina RossettiRead

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