I hope there is something worthy in my writings and not merely the novelty of a black face associated with the power to rhyme that has attracted attention.
Paul Laurence DunbarRead
A crust of bread and a corner to sleep in. A minute to smile and an hour to weep in. A pint of joy to a peck of trouble, And never a laugh but the moans come double. And that is life. A crust and a corner that makes love precious, With a smile to warm and tears to refresh us, And joy seems sweeter when cares come after, And a moan is the finest of foils for laughter. And that is life.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Life is a mixture of joy and sorrow, and each experience enhances our appreciation of the other.
In this quote, Paul Laurence Dunbar reflects on the dualities of life, emphasizing that joy and sorrow coexist and give depth to our experiences. The simplicity suggested by 'a crust of bread and a corner to sleep in' highlights the beauty found in modest circumstances, while the interplay of laughter and tears illustrates how challenges ultimately enhance our appreciation for happiness.
Themes
LifeJoySorrowBalanceExperience
In practice
Example use cases
This quote is perfect for a commencement speech, highlighting the importance of embracing both successes and challenges.
More from Paul Laurence Dunbar
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I know what the caged bird feels, alas!
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