Flowers, cold from the dew, And autumn's approaching…
“Flowers, cold from the dew, And autumn's approaching breath, I pluck for the warm, luxuriant braids, Which haven't faded yet. In their nights, fragrantly resinous, Entwined with delightful mystery, They will breathe in her springlike Extraordinary beauty. But in a whirlwind of sound and fire, From her shing head they will flutter And fall—and before her They will die, faintly fragrant still. And, impelled by faithful longing, My obedient gaze will feast upon them— With a reverent hand, Love will gather their rotting remains.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The poet reflects on fleeting beauty, decay, and reverence for the remnants of once‑vibrant life, seeing love in the inevitable decline.
In simple terms: Beauty fades, love endures even in decay.
Key Takeaway
Cherish the transient and honor what remains.
Themes
impermanence
beauty
love
death
memory
Mood
melancholic
reflective
Type
poetic
lyilosophical
When to use this quote
- gardening
- museum c
- grieving
- artistic creation
Key Concepts
transience
nostalgia
reverence
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you find meaning in loss?
- What does honoring decay teach you?
A Different Perspective
The metaphor may romanticize decay, overlooking harsh realities.