Skip to content

How rarely boyhood loves to paint in glowing tints his…

“How rarely boyhood loves to paint in glowing tints his future bright, a picture where no line is faint--whose very clouds are touch'd with light. And girlhood hails a world unknown and reads it in her own glad dreams, as lilies see themselves alone reflected in their azure streams. But rosy clouds…” quote by Cecil Frances Alexander
Download Open image
“How rarely boyhood loves to paint in glowing tints his future bright, a picture where no line is faint--whose very clouds are touch'd with light. And girlhood hails a world unknown and reads it in her own glad dreams, as lilies see themselves alone reflected in their azure streams. But rosy clouds that morning brings, ere noon may deepen into thunder--and life's dark stream has sterner things than silver lilies growing under.”

Cecil Frances Alexander

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The verse celebrates youthful imagination and optimism, then warns that life brings challenges beyond simple beauty.

In simple terms: Youthful hope meets harsh reality.

Key Takeaway

Balance optimism with preparedness.

Themes

hope reality growth imagination challenge

Mood

reflective hopeful somber

Type

poetic inspirational

When to use this quote

  • childhood creativity
  • education
  • personal development
  • overcoming adversity

Key Concepts

optimism adversity coming‑of‑age nature metaphor

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you maintain hope when faced with difficulty?
  • What lessons can hardship teach about resilience?
A Different Perspective

Idealism can be shattered by unforeseen hardships.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Cecil Frances Alexander

Explore all 17 Cecil Frances Alexander quotes

More Azure quotes

Browse all 73 Azure quotes