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They tell me I must bruise The rose’s leaf, Ere I can keep…

“They tell me I must bruise The rose’s leaf, Ere I can keep and use Its fragrance brief. They tell me I must break The skylark’s heart, Ere her cage song will make The silence start. They tell me love must bleed, And friendship weep, Ere in my deepest need I touch that deep. Must it be always so…” quote by Lettie B. Cowman
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““They tell me I must bruise The rose’s leaf, Ere I can keep and use Its fragrance brief. They tell me I must break The skylark’s heart, Ere her cage song will make The silence start. They tell me love must bleed, And friendship weep, Ere in my deepest need I touch that deep. Must it be always so With precious things? Must they be bruised and go With beaten wings? Ah, yes! by crushing days, By caging nights, by scar Of thorn and stony ways, These blessings are!””

Lettie B. Cowman

About This Quote

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

Great gifts often require hardship; suffering can reveal deeper value and meaning.

In simple terms: Hardship can uncover hidden blessings.

Key Takeaway

Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.

Themes

suffering growth value

Mood

reflective hopeful

Type

inspirational poetic

When to use this quote

  • personal loss
  • creative struggle
  • spiritual practice
  • life transitions

Key Concepts

philosophical resilience

Questions to Reflect On

  • What hardships have taught you valuable lessons?
  • Can you find meaning in current struggles?
A Different Perspective

Pain may not always lead to positive outcomes.

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