What art thou, life, that we, must court thy stay? A…
“What art thou, life, that we, must court thy stay? A breath one single gasp must puff away! A short-lived flower, that with the day must fade! A fleeting vapor, and an empty shade! A stream that silently but swiftly glides To meet eternity's immeasured tides! A being, lost alike by pain or joy? A fly can kill it, or a worm destroy! Impair'd by labor, and by ease undone, Commenced in tears, and ended in a groan.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Life is a fragile, fleeting thing that can be destroyed by any small event, urging us to cherish each moment.
In simple terms: Life is short and fragile,
Key Takeaway
Appreciate each moment.
Themes
mortality
impermanence
fragility
existence
Mood
reflective
melancholic
Type
poetic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- daily gratitude
- risk assessment
- health awareness
- relationship building
Key Concepts
ephemerality
human condition
transience
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you honor fleeting moments?
- What small actions bring lasting meaning?
A Different Perspective
Life’s brevity can cause anxiety and paralysis.