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John Burroughs beautifully expresses this in his poem…

“John Burroughs beautifully expresses this in his poem “Waiting”: Serene, I fold my hands and wait, Nor care for wind, nor tide, nor sea; I rave no more 'gainst time or fate, For, lo! my own shall come to me. I stay my haste, I make delays, For what avails this eager pace? I stand amid the eternal…” quote by Orison Swett Marden
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““John Burroughs beautifully expresses this in his poem “Waiting”: Serene, I fold my hands and wait, Nor care for wind, nor tide, nor sea; I rave no more 'gainst time or fate, For, lo! my own shall come to me. I stay my haste, I make delays, For what avails this eager pace? I stand amid the eternal ways, And what is mine shall know my face. Asleep, awake, by night or day, The friends I seek are seeking me; No wind can drive my bark astray, Nor change the tide of destiny. What matter if I stand alone? I wait with joy the coming years; My heart shall reap where it hath sown, And garner up its fruit of tears. The waters know their own and draw The brook that springs in yonder height; So flows the good with equal law Unto the soul of pure delight. The stars come nightly to the sky; The tidal wave unto the sea; Nor time, nor space, nor deep, nor high, Can keep my own away from me.””

Orison Swett Marden

About This Quote

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

Patience and trust in natural timing bring fulfillment; rushing hinders true growth and harmony with destiny.

In simple terms: Trust the timing of life.

Key Takeaway

Embrace patience and trust the process.

Themes

patience trust destiny inner peace timing

Mood

calm hopeful reflective

Type

poetic inspirational philosophical

When to use this quote

  • career decisions
  • relationship building
  • creative projects
  • healing after loss
  • spiritual practice

Key Concepts

mindfulness acceptance flow self‑realization

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does waiting teach you about control?
  • How can patience improve your current challenges?
A Different Perspective

If one waits without action, opportunities may pass unnoticed.

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