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The stone is a mirror which works poorly. Nothing in it…

“The stone is a mirror which works poorly. Nothing in it but dimness. Your dimness or its dimness, who's to say? In the hush your heart sounds like a black cricket.” quote by Charles Simic
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“The stone is a mirror which works poorly. Nothing in it but dimness. Your dimness or its dimness, who's to say? In the hush your heart sounds like a black cricket.”

Charles Simic

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 likens a stone to a flawed mirror, reflecting only dimness, suggesting perception is ambiguous and inner darkness can be projected outward.

In simple terms: Our view is clouded; we may see darkness in ourselves or others.

Key Takeaway

Question your assumptions about darkness.

Themes

perception illusion inner darkness

Mood

melancholic introspective

Type

poetic philosophical

When to use this quote

  • self‑reflection
  • art criticism
  • psychology
  • conflict resolution

Key Concepts

subjectivity philosophy

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does the "black cricket" symbolize for you?
  • How can we seek light in dimness?
A Different Perspective

It may overlook clarity and hope.

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