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What you hope for Is that at some point of the pointless…

“What you hope for Is that at some point of the pointless journey, Indoors or out, and when you least expect it, Right in the middle of your stride, like that, So neatly that you never feel a thing, The kind assassin Sleep will draw a bead And blow your brains out.” quote by Richard Wilbur
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“What you hope for Is that at some point of the pointless journey, Indoors or out, and when you least expect it, Right in the middle of your stride, like that, So neatly that you never feel a thing, The kind assassin Sleep will draw a bead And blow your brains out.”

Richard Wilbur

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 juxtaposes hopeful longing with sudden, violent disruption, suggesting that aspirations can be shattered without warning.

In simple terms: Hope can be abruptly destroyed.

Key Takeaway

Stay vigilant, cherish moments.

Themes

hope violence fragility unexpectedness

Mood

reflective somber

Type

poetic philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal goals
  • relationships
  • creative projects
  • daily routines

Key Concepts

existentialism impermanence anticipation

Questions to Reflect On

  • Do you anticipate hidden threats to your dreams?
  • How can you protect hope without living in fear?
A Different Perspective

The metaphor of an assassin may overstate ordinary setbacks.

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