It seemed a marvel to her that any mortal should suffer for lack of love, and yet she had never known a mortal who didn't feel unloved. There was enough love just in this ugly hallway, she thought, that no one should ever feel the lack of it again. She peered at the parents, imagining their hearts like machines, manufacturing surfeit upon surfeit of love for their children, and then wondered how something could be so awesome and so utterly powerless.
Interpretation
The quote reflects on the abundant love present in the world, contrasting with human feelings of unworthiness and lack of love.
In this quote, Chris Adrian explores the paradox of love; despite the overwhelming capacity for love that exists within parents for their children, individuals still experience feelings of being unloved. The imagery of parents as machines producing endless love highlights the reality that even in abundance, love may not reach or be felt by those who need it most, emphasizing the complexity and often helpless nature of emotional connections.
In practice
A speaker discussing emotional well-being at a community center.
I always knew that I was called to do something. I didn't know what, but I finally rationalized after I met Martin - and it took a lot of praying to discover this - that this was probably what God had called me to do: to marry him.
Love was just a word to me. Until you came along and gave it meaning.
If all else perished, and he remained, I should still continue to be; and if all else remained, and he were annihilated, the universe would turn to a mighty stranger.
For the crown of our life as it closes Is darkness, the fruit thereof dust; No thorns go as deep as a rose's, And love is more cruel than lust. Time turns the old days to derision, Our loves into corpses or wives; And marriage and death and division Make barren our lives.
When you've married someone who's been at war, there is nothing you can do that compares to that level of selflessness and bravery.
But oh! as to embrace me she inclin'd, I wak'd, she fled, and day brought back my night.
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