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We were young, we were merry, we were very, very wise, And…

“We were young, we were merry, we were very, very wise, And the door stood open at our feast, When there passed us a woman with the West in her eyes, And a man with his back to the East.” quote by Mary Elizabeth Coleridge
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“We were young, we were merry, we were very, very wise, And the door stood open at our feast, When there passed us a woman with the West in her eyes, And a man with his back to the East.”

Mary Elizabeth Coleridge

About This Quote

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

A lyrical scene of youthful wisdom, open doors, and meeting a woman with western vision and a man looking east, symbolizing diverse perspectives.

In simple terms: Youthful wisdom meets contrasting worldviews.

Key Takeaway

Seek balance between differing outlooks.

Themes

wisdom journey culture duality

Mood

contemplative nostalgic

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • literary study
  • personal growth
  • cross‑cultural dialogue

Key Concepts

poetry symbolism orientation

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do cultural directions shape identity?
  • What can we learn from youthful naiveté?
A Different Perspective

The poem’s archaic language may limit modern accessibility.

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