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As a breath on glass, - As witch-fires that burn, The gods…

“As a breath on glass, - As witch-fires that burn, The gods and monsters pass, Are dust, and return. (“The Face of the Skies”)” quote by George Sterling
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“As a breath on glass, - As witch-fires that burn, The gods and monsters pass, Are dust, and return. (“The Face of the Skies”)”

George Sterling

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 likens fleeting moments to breath on glass and witch‑fires, suggesting impermanence of divine and monstrous forces.

In simple terms: Life’s moments are brief and fragile.

Key Takeaway

Embrace the fleeting nature of existence.

Themes

impermanence nature mythology transience

Mood

melancholic contemplative

Type

poetic philosophical

When to use this quote

  • literary analysis
  • spiritual contemplation
  • art criticism

Key Concepts

philosophical existential

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does impermanence teach us?
  • How do we find meaning in fleeting moments?
A Different Perspective

May romanticize chaos over stability.

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