Women know the way to rear up children (to be just). They know a simple, merry, tender knack of tying sashes, fitting baby-shoes, and stringing pretty words that make no sense. And kissing full sense into empty words.
Elizabeth Barrett BrowningRead
Enough! we're tired, my heart and I. We sit beside the headstone thus, And wish that name were carved for us. The moss reprints more tenderly The hard types of the mason's knife, As Heaven's sweet life renews earth's life With which we're tired, my heart and I .... In this abundant earth no doubt Is little room for things worn out: Disdain them, break them, throw them by! And if before the days grew rough We once were loved, used, - well enough, I think, we've fared, my heart and I.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects a sense of weariness toward life and the idea of letting go of the past to embrace renewal.
In this poignant quote, Elizabeth Barrett Browning expresses the exhaustion felt by both her heart and herself, as they confront the inevitability of death and the old memories associated with it. The imagery of a headstone suggests a contemplation of mortality, while the speaker wishes for a more tender acknowledgment of life's transient beauty. Ultimately, the quote encourages a rejection of the worn-out and a celebration of new beginnings, suggesting that love and memories, though they may be cherished, should not hold one back from embracing change and renewal in life.
Themes
LifeRenewalLoveMemoriesChangeLetting Go
In practice
Example use cases
During a memorial service, sharing this quote can emphasize the importance of cherishing memories while also embracing new beginnings.
More from Elizabeth Barrett Browning
All quotes →She has seen the mystery hid Under Egypt's pyramid: By those eyelids pale and close Now she knows what Rhamses knows.
Elizabeth Barrett BrowningRead
First time he kissed me, he but only kissed The fingers of this hand wherewith I write; And, ever since, it grew more clean and white.
Elizabeth Barrett BrowningRead
Earth's crammed with heaven, And every common bush afire with God: But only he who sees takes off his shoes.
Elizabeth Barrett BrowningRead
Our Euripides the human, With his droppings of warm tears, and his touchings of things common Till they rose to meet the spheres.
Elizabeth Barrett BrowningRead
Love me sweet With all thou art Feeling, thinking, seeing; Love me in the Lightest part, Love me in full Being.
Elizabeth Barrett BrowningRead
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