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Birds buildbut not I build; no, but strain, Time's eunuch…

“Birds buildbut not I build; no, but strain, Time's eunuch, and not breed one work that wakes. Mine,O thou lord of life, send my roots rain.” quote by Gerard Manley Hopkins
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“Birds buildbut not I build; no, but strain, Time's eunuch, and not breed one work that wakes. Mine,O thou lord of life, send my roots rain.”

Gerard Manley Hopkins

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The poet contrasts natural creation with human effort, invoking divine support for personal growth.

In simple terms: Human effort needs divine help.

Key Takeaway

Seek divine guidance in work.

Themes

creation divine effort growth

Mood

reflective contemplative

Type

poetic spiritual

When to use this quote

  • personal development
  • creative work
  • spiritual practice

Key Concepts

Romanticism nature spirituality

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you invite divine support in daily tasks?
  • What role does nature play in your creative process?
A Different Perspective

Human effort alone may be insufficient without divine aid.

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