With smoking axle hot with speed, with steeds of fire and…
“With smoking axle hot with speed, with steeds of fire and steam, Wide-waked To-day leaves Yesterday behind him like a dream. Still, from the hurrying train of Life, fly backward far and fast The milestones of the fathers, the landmarks of the past. But human hearts remain unchanged: the sorrow and the sin, The loves and hopes and fears of old, are to our own akin; And if, in tales our fathers told, the songs our mothers sung, Tradition wears a snowy beard, Romance is always young.”
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 reflects on rapid technological change versus enduring human emotions, suggesting that while society advances, core feelings stay the same.
In simple terms: Progress moves fast, but hearts stay the same.
Key Takeaway
Embrace change while honoring timeless feelings.
Themes
change
nostalgia
human nature
progress
tradition
Mood
reflective
melancholic
hopeful
Type
poetic
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- industrial revolution
- personal growth
- family storytelling
- historical reflection
Key Concepts
Temporal shift
emotional constancy
cultural continuity
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance modern life with timeless values?
- What emotions persist despite societal shifts?
A Different Perspective
Rapid change can outpace our ability to adapt emotionally.