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Degraded bird, I give you back your eyes forever, ascend…

“Degraded bird, I give you back your eyes forever, ascend now whither you are tossed; Forsake this wrist, forsake this rhyme; Soar, eat ether, see what has never been seen; depart, be lost, But climb.” quote by Edna St. Vincent Millay
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““Degraded bird, I give you back your eyes forever, ascend now whither you are tossed; Forsake this wrist, forsake this rhyme; Soar, eat ether, see what has never been seen; depart, be lost, But climb.””

Edna St. Vincent Millay

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 urges a wounded bird to reclaim its vision and rise, symbolizing renewal, defiance, and the pursuit of unseen horizons.

In simple terms: Encourages a broken bird to regain sight and soar.

Key Takeaway

Seek renewal and rise beyond loss.

Themes

renewal defiance transcendence

Mood

hopeful poetic

Type

literary inspirational

When to use this quote

  • personal healing
  • creative writing
  • spiritual awakening
  • overcoming adversity

Key Concepts

metaphor rebirth freedom

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does “seeing the unseen” mean to you?
  • How can you apply this rebirth metaphor in life?
A Different Perspective

May be too abstract for practical guidance.

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