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Suddenly all the sky is hid As with the shutting of a lid…

“Suddenly all the sky is hid As with the shutting of a lid, One by one great drops are falling Doubtful and slow, Down the pane they are crookedly crawling, And the wind breathes low; Slowly the circles widen on the river, Widen and mingle, one and all; Here and there the slenderer flowers shiver…” quote by James Russell Lowell
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“Suddenly all the sky is hid As with the shutting of a lid, One by one great drops are falling Doubtful and slow, Down the pane they are crookedly crawling, And the wind breathes low; Slowly the circles widen on the river, Widen and mingle, one and all; Here and there the slenderer flowers shiver, Struck by an icy rain-drop’s fall.”

James Russell Lowell

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 describes rain as a slow, deliberate process that transforms the landscape, evoking melancholy and reflection.

In simple terms: Rain changes the world slowly and quietly.

Key Takeaway

Observe how gradual change affects feelings.

Themes

nature change melancholy

Mood

reflective poetic

Type

inspirational meditative

When to use this quote

  • walking in rain
  • writing poetry
  • mindful observation

Key Concepts

transformation perception time

Questions to Reflect On

  • What emotions does slow rain evoke?
  • How does rain alter your mood?
A Different Perspective

Rain can be seen as oppressive rather than soothing.

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