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
O rose, who dares to name thee?_x000D_ _x000D_ No longer roseate now, nor soft, nor sweet,_x000D_ _x000D_ But pale, and hard, and dry, as stubblewheat,_x000D_ _x000D_ Kept seven years in a drawer, thy titles shame thee.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects on the lost beauty and essence of love over time.
In this poignant excerpt, Elizabeth Barrett Browning personifies a rose to symbolize love and desire, expressing that over the course of seven years, the once-vibrant and fragrant affection has faded into something lifeless and diminished. The imagery of the rose becoming pale and hard suggests a profound loss of passion and softness, indicating that love can decay if left untouched and uncherished.
Themes
LoveLossBeautyChangeTime
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a speech about the importance of nurturing relationships.
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.
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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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