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The world stands out on either side No wider than the…

“The world stands out on either side No wider than the heart is wide; Above the world is stretched the sky, No higher than the soul is high. The heart can push the sea and land Farther away on either hand; The soul can split the sky in two, And let the face of God shine through. But East and West…” quote by Edna St. Vincent Millay
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“The world stands out on either side No wider than the heart is wide; Above the world is stretched the sky, No higher than the soul is high. The heart can push the sea and land Farther away on either hand; The soul can split the sky in two, And let the face of God shine through. But East and West will pinch the heart That can not keep them pushed apart; And he whose soul is flat—the sky Will cave in on him by and by.”

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 expresses that the heart and soul define our personal limits, not external geography, and that love and spiritual depth can transcend physical boundaries.

In simple terms: Our inner world shapes our experience more than outer space.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate a strong heart and soul.

Themes

spirituality love inner strength

Mood

reflective inspirational

Type

philosophical poetic

When to use this quote

  • personal growth
  • relationships
  • meditation

Key Concepts

transcendence boundary

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you expand your heart’s reach?
  • What practices deepen your soul?
A Different Perspective

A flat soul leads to stagnation and loss of perspective.

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