To-day I think Only with scents, - scents dead leaves…
“To-day I think Only with scents, - scents dead leaves yield, And bracken, and wild carrot's seed, And the square mustard field; Odours that rise When the spade wounds the root of tree, Rose, currant, raspberry, or goutweed, Rhubarb or celery; The smoke's smell, too, Flowing from where a bonfire burns The dead, the waste, the dangerous, And all to sweetness turns. It is enough To smell, to crumble the dark earth, While the robin sings over again Sad songs of Autumn mirth." - A poem called DIGGING.”
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 celebrates the sensory richness of digging, finding beauty and meaning in earth, scent, and seasonal change.
In simple terms: Digging reveals hidden beauty and comfort in nature.
Key Takeaway
Embrace simple sensory experiences.
Themes
nature
season
work
memory
beauty
Mood
reflective
nostalgic
Type
poetic
observational
When to use this quote
- gardening
- archaeology
- forest walks
- meditative practice
Key Concepts
sensory perception
transcendence
ritual
Questions to Reflect On
- How does scent shape memory?
- What does the robin symbolize?
A Different Perspective
May overlook the emotional labor of labor;