You see, when you were little they kept sending me…
““You see, when you were little they kept sending me snap–shots of you, first as a baby and then as a child in socks playing on the beach with a pail and shovel, and then suddenly as a wistful little girl with wondering, pure eyes—and I used to build dreams about you. A man has to have something living to cling to. I think, Lois, it was your little white soul I tried to keep near me—even when life was at its loudest and every intellectual idea of God seemed the sheerest mockery, and desire and love and a million things came up to me and said: 'Look here at me! See, I'm Life. You're turning your back on it!' All the way through that shadow, Lois, I could always see your baby soul flitting on ahead of me, very frail and clear and wonderful.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The passage reflects on clinging to a cherished memory of innocence as a source of comfort amid life's chaos and existential doubt.
In simple terms: Holding onto a pure memory steadies us in turmoil.
Key Takeaway
Remember and cherish pure moments.
Themes
memory
comfort
existential doubt
Mood
nostalgic
contemplative
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- grief
- creative inspiration
- personal loss
Key Concepts
innocence
longing
spiritual yearning
Questions to Reflect On
- What does the “baby soul” symbolize for you?
- How can memories of innocence guide us through hardship?