In Dedication. All saints revile her, and all sober men…
““In Dedication. All saints revile her, and all sober men Ruled by the God Apollo's golden mean - In scorn of which I sailed to find her In distant regions likeliest to hold her Whom I desired above all things to know, Sister of the mirage and echo. It was a virtue not to stay, To go my headstrong and heroic way Seeking her out at the volcano's head, Among pack ice, or where the track had faded Beyond the cavern of the seven sleepers: Whose broad high brow was white as any leper's, Whose eyes were blue, with rowan-berry lips, With hair curled honey-coloured to white hips. Green sap of Spring in the young wood a-stir Will celebrate the Mountain Mother, And every song-bird shout awhile for her; But I am gifted, even in November Rawest of seasons, with so huge a sense Of her nakedly worn magnificence I forget cruelty and past betrayal, Careless of where the next bright bolt may fall.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The speaker pursues an idealized, elusive muse across harsh landscapes, driven by love and artistic yearning, despite hardships.
In simple terms: Chasing inspiration through difficulty.
Key Takeaway
Persist in seeking your muse.
Themes
art
love
quest
myth
nature
perseverance
Mood
melancholic
inspirational
Type
poetic
mythic
When to use this quote
- writing
- painting
- exploration
- spiritual seeking
Key Concepts
symbolism
heroic journey
creative obsession
Questions to Reflect On
- What does the “mountain mother” symbolize for you?
- How do you balance pursuit with self‑care?
A Different Perspective
Obsession can blind to reality.