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I went back to the clanging city, I went back where my old…

“I went back to the clanging city, I went back where my old loves stayed, But my heart was full of my new love's glory, My eyes were laughing and unafraid. I met one who had loved me madly And told his love for all to hear -- But we talked of a thousand things together, The past was buried too deep…” quote by Sara Teasdale
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““I went back to the clanging city, I went back where my old loves stayed, But my heart was full of my new love's glory, My eyes were laughing and unafraid. I met one who had loved me madly And told his love for all to hear -- But we talked of a thousand things together, The past was buried too deep to fear. I met the other, whose love was given With never a kiss and scarcely a word - Oh, it was then the terror took me Of words unuttered that breathed and stirred. Oh, love that lives its life with laughter Or love that lives its life with tears Can die - but love that is never spoken Goes like a ghost through the winding years… I went back to the clanging city, I went back where my old loves stayed, My heart was full of my new love's glory, - But my eyes were suddenly afraid.””

Sara Teasdale

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 reflects on returning to a familiar place, confronting past and new love, and the fear of unspoken emotions.

In simple terms: Returning home sparks love and fear of silence.

Key Takeaway

Embrace honest expression in love.

Themes

love memory fear expression nostalgia

Mood

reflective melancholic

Type

poetic emotional

When to use this quote

  • reunion with old lovers
  • new relationships
  • confessional moments

Key Concepts

romantic longing psychology communication

Questions to Reflect On

  • What unspoken words hold you back?
  • How does revisiting the past shape current love?
A Different Perspective

Unspoken feelings can haunt and limit connection.

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