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Can I, that these flowers’ obsequies attend, Divine how…

“Can I, that these flowers’ obsequies attend, Divine how soon or late my life will end? Let others laugh flower-burial to see: Another year who will be burying me? As petals drop and spring begins to fail, The bloom of youth, too, sickens and turns pale. One day, when spring has gone and youth has…” quote by Cao Xueqin
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““Can I, that these flowers’ obsequies attend, Divine how soon or late my life will end? Let others laugh flower-burial to see: Another year who will be burying me? As petals drop and spring begins to fail, The bloom of youth, too, sickens and turns pale. One day, when spring has gone and youth has fled. The Maiden and the flowers will both be dead.””

Cao Xueqin

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 reflects on mortality, comparing human life to fleeting flowers, urging acceptance of life's impermanence.

In simple terms: Life is fleeting like flowers.

Key Takeaway

Embrace each moment.

Themes

mortality impermanence reflection

Mood

melancholic contemplative

Type

poetic philosophical

When to use this quote

  • grief
  • celebrations
  • personal reflection
  • artistic creation

Key Concepts

existentialism poetic metaphor

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you honor fleeting moments?
  • What does impermanence teach you about priorities?
A Different Perspective

No guarantee of lasting legacy; beauty is temporary.

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