O Life, How oft we throw it off and think, — 'Enough…
““O Life, How oft we throw it off and think, — 'Enough, Enough of life in so much! — here's a cause For rupture; — herein we must break with Life, Or be ourselves unworthy; here we are wronged, Maimed, spoiled for aspiration: farewell Life!' — And so, as froward babes, we hide our eyes And think all ended. — Then, Life calls to us In some transformed, apocryphal, new voice, Above us, or below us, or around . . Perhaps we name it Nature's voice, or Love's, Tricking ourselves, because we are more ashamed To own our compensations than our griefs: Still, Life's voice! — still, we make our peace with Life.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Life is often rejected in frustration, but it calls us to transform and find peace through acceptance and new perspectives.
In simple terms: Life feels overwhelming, yet it urges renewal.
Key Takeaway
Embrace change and seek peace.
Themes
existential
resilience
acceptance
Mood
reflective
melancholic
Type
poetic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal crisis
- creative writing
- therapy sessions
- spiritual retreats
Key Concepts
nihilism
spiritual rebirth
Questions to Reflect On
- What does “new voice” mean to you?
- How can you find peace amid life’s challenges?
A Different Perspective
The poem’s optimism may overlook chronic suffering and systemic oppression.