Skip to content

We dangle by a flimsy thread, Our little lives are grains…

“We dangle by a flimsy thread, Our little lives are grains of sand: The Cosmos is a tiny sphere Held in the hollow of God's hand. Give up your anger and your spite, And imitate the Deer, the Tree; In sweet Forgiveness find your joy, For it alone can set you free.” quote by Margaret Atwood
Download Open image
““We dangle by a flimsy thread, Our little lives are grains of sand: The Cosmos is a tiny sphere Held in the hollow of God's hand. Give up your anger and your spite, And imitate the Deer, the Tree; In sweet Forgiveness find your joy, For it alone can set you free.””

Margaret Atwood

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 human life to tiny grains held in a divine hand, urging forgiveness and humility for freedom from anger.

In simple terms: Life is small and held by God; forgiveness brings joy.

Key Takeaway

Embrace forgiveness to find peace.

Themes

humility forgiveness spirituality freedom

Mood

reflective serene

Type

poetic spiritual

When to use this quote

  • personal crisis
  • conflict resolution
  • spiritual practice
  • daily stress

Key Concepts

theology existentialism metaphor

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you practice forgiveness without ignoring accountability?
  • What does “imitate the Deer” mean to you?
A Different Perspective

Forgiveness alone may not resolve systemic injustices.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Margaret Atwood

Explore all 2,072 Margaret Atwood quotes

More Astronomy quotes

Browse all 6,190 Astronomy quotes