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Extinguish my eyes, I'll go on seeing you. Seal my ears…

“Extinguish my eyes, I'll go on seeing you. Seal my ears, I'll go on hearing you. And without feet I can make my way to you, without a mouth I can swear your name. Break off my arms, I'll take hold of you with my heart as with a hand. Stop my heart, and my brain will start to beat. And if you…” quote by Rainer Maria Rilke
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“Extinguish my eyes, I'll go on seeing you. Seal my ears, I'll go on hearing you. And without feet I can make my way to you, without a mouth I can swear your name. Break off my arms, I'll take hold of you with my heart as with a hand. Stop my heart, and my brain will start to beat. And if you consume my brain with fire, I'll feel you burn in every drop of my blood.”

Rainer Maria Rilke

About This Quote

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

A paradoxical declaration of love that transcends physical limits, suggesting that devotion persists even when the body is stripped of its senses and functions.

In simple terms: Love beyond physical constraints

Key Takeaway

Love endures beyond bodily loss

Themes

love paradox devotion metaphor sacrifice

Mood

passionate intense melancholic

Type

poetic philosophical

When to use this quote

  • writing a love letter
  • expressing deep affection
  • contemplating mortality
  • describing spiritual connection
  • exploring poetic hyperbole

Key Concepts

senses body spirit identity

Practical Applications

  • poetry
  • personal expression

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does love persist without physical senses?
  • What does the body symbolize in love?
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