Into the nothingness of scorn and noise, Into the living sea of waking dreams, Where there is neither sense of life or joys, But the vast shipwreck of my life's esteems; And e'en the dearest--that I love the best-- Are strange--nay, rather stranger than the rest.
Interpretation
This quote explores the feelings of emptiness and alienation, as well as the complexity of love in times of despair.
In this quote, John Clare reflects on the profound sense of loss and disillusionment he feels as he contemplates the absence of joy and meaning in life. He likens his emotional state to a shipwreck, illustrating how even his deepest affections have become confusing and estranged during his suffering, highlighting the struggle between love and despair.
In practice
This quote can be used in a reflective poem reading to convey feelings of loss and confusion.
I hid my love when young till I_x000D_ Couldn't bear the buzzing of a fly;_x000D_ I hid my life to my despite_x000D_ Till I could not bear to look at light:_x000D_ I dare not gaze upon her face_x000D_ But left her memory in each place;_x000D_ Where'er I saw a wild flower lie_x000D_ I kissed and bade my love good-bye.
Old April wanes, and her last dewy morn Her death-bed steeps in tears; to hail the May New blooming blossoms neath the sun are born, And all poor April's charms are swept away.
Burning hot is the ground, liquid gold is the air; Whoever looks round sees Eternity there.
Loud is the summer's busy song_x000D_ _x000D_ The smallest breeze can find a tongue,_x000D_ _x000D_ While insects of each tiny size_x000D_ _x000D_ Grow teasing with their melodies,_x000D_ _x000D_ Till noon burns with its blistering breath_x000D_ _x000D_ Around, and day lies still as death.
I long for scenes where man has never trod; A place where woman never smil'd or wept; There to abide with my creator, God, And sleep as I in childhood sweetly slept: Untroubling and untroubled where I lie; The grass below--above the vaulted sky.
I found the poems in the fields And only wrote them down
But let us not forget that cities are like human beings. They are born, they go through childhood and adolescence, they grow old, and eventually they die
God made the water but men made the wine.
I have never conceived that having been in public life required me to belie my sentiments, or to conceal them. Opinion and the just maintenance of it shall never be a crime in my view, nor bring injury on the individual. I never will by any word or act, bow to the shrine of intolerance. I never had an opinion in politics or religion which I was afraid to own; a reserve on these subjects might have procured me more esteem from some people, but less from myself.
I am for . . . each individual doing just as he chooses in all matters which concern nobody else.
The vast loneliness is awe-inspiring and it makes you realize just what you have back there on Earth.
In other words, we are never freer than when we become most ourselves, most human, most just, most excellent, and the like.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.