Before the beginning of years There came to the making of…
“Before the beginning of years There came to the making of man Time with a gift of tears, Grief with a glass that ran, Pleasure with pain for leaven, Summer with flowers that fell, Remembrance fallen from heaven, And Madness risen from hell, Strength without hands to smite, Love that endures for a breath; Night, the shadow of light, And Life, the shadow of death.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The poem juxtaposes opposing forces—joy and sorrow, life and death—showing existence as a blend of contrasts.
In simple terms: Life mixes joy, sorrow, light, and darkness.
Key Takeaway
Embrace both light and dark aspects of life.
Themes
duality
existence
emotion
Mood
melancholic
poetic
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- grief
- celebration
- artistic expression
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
contrasts
human condition
philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- What contrasts define your life?
- How do you find balance amid opposing forces?
A Different Perspective
Focusing on extremes may overlook the subtle middle ground of everyday experience.