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When death comes…. I want to step through the door full of…

“When death comes…. I want to step through the door full of curiosity, wondering: what it’s going to be like, that cottage of darkness? And therefore I look upon everything as a brotherhood and a sisterhood, and I look upon time as no more than an idea, and I consider eternity as another…” quote by Mary Oliver
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“When death comes…. I want to step through the door full of curiosity, wondering: what it’s going to be like, that cottage of darkness? And therefore I look upon everything as a brotherhood and a sisterhood, and I look upon time as no more than an idea, and I consider eternity as another possibility, and I think of each life as a flower, as common as a field daisy, and as singular, and each name a comfortable music in the mouth, tending, as all music does, toward silence, and each body as a lion of courage, and something precious to the earth. [from the poem "When Death Comes"]”

Mary Oliver

About This Quote

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

The poet imagines death as a curious transition, viewing life as interconnected and eternal, embracing both individuality and unity.

In simple terms: Death is a natural, curious passage.

Key Takeaway

Embrace life’s unity and face death with wonder.

Themes

life death unity curiosity eternity

Mood

hopeful contemplative

Type

poetic philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal reflection
  • meditation
  • creative writing

Key Concepts

poetry spirituality humanism

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does it mean to see life as a brotherhood?
  • How can curiosity soften fear of death?
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