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The roses tremble; oh, the sunflower's eye Is opened wide…

“The roses tremble; oh, the sunflower's eye Is opened wide in sad expectancy. Westward and back the circling swallows fly, The rooks' battalions dwindle near the hill. That low pulsation in the east is war: No bell now breaks the evening's silent dream. The bloodless clarity of evening's sky…” quote by Denise Levertov
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““The roses tremble; oh, the sunflower's eye Is opened wide in sad expectancy. Westward and back the circling swallows fly, The rooks' battalions dwindle near the hill. That low pulsation in the east is war: No bell now breaks the evening's silent dream. The bloodless clarity of evening's sky Betrays no whisper of the battle-scream.””

Denise Levertov

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 juxtaposes natural beauty with looming war, highlighting tension between peace and conflict in the evening sky.

In simple terms: Nature’s calm contrasts with impending war.

Key Takeaway

Recognize hidden tensions in serene moments.

Themes

war peace nature conflict observation

Mood

somber reflective

Type

poetic philosophical

When to use this quote

  • war reporting
  • environmental reflection
  • artistic critique

Key Concepts

dualism impermanence psychological tension

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you perceive conflict in everyday surroundings?
  • What signs of tension do you notice in nature?
A Different Perspective

The vivid war imagery may oversimplify complex geopolitical realities.

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