A Pause of Thought I looked for that which is not, nor can…
““ A Pause of Thought I looked for that which is not, nor can be, And hope deferred made my heart sick in truth But years must pass before a hope of youth Is resigned utterly. I watched and waited with a steadfast will: And though the object seemed to flee away That I so longed for, ever day by day I watched and waited still. Sometimes I said: This thing shall be no more; My expectation wearies and shall cease; I will resign it now and be at peace: Yet never gave it o'er. Sometimes I said: It is an empty name I long for; to a name why should I give The peace of all the days I have to live?-- Yet gave it all the same. Alas, thou foolish one! alike unfit For healthy joy and salutary pain: Thou knowest the chase useless, and again Turnest to follow it.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The speaker wrestles with unfulfilled hopes, alternating between resignation and persistent yearning.
In simple terms: Hope and resignation battle within.
Key Takeaway
Embrace patience while staying hopeful.
Themes
hope
resignation
patience
Mood
melancholic
reflective
Type
poetic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal goal setting
- grief processing
- creative writing
Key Concepts
existential longing
inner conflict
Questions to Reflect On
- What hopes have you let go?
- How can you balance acceptance with ambition?
A Different Perspective
Endless waiting may stall progress.