So here I am, in the middle way, having had twenty years…
““So here I am, in the middle way, having had twenty years— Twenty years largely wasted, the years of l'entre deux guerres Trying to learn to use words, and every attempt Is a wholly new start, and a different kind of failure Because one has only learnt to get the better of words For the thing one no longer has to say, or the way in which One is no longer disposed to say it. And so each venture Is a new beginning, a raid on the inarticulate With shabby equipment always deteriorating In the general mess of imprecision of feeling, Undisciplined squads of emotion.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The poet reflects on wasted time, continual reinvention, and the struggle to express inarticulate feelings with limited tools.
In simple terms: Repeated attempts to start anew amid frustration.
Key Takeaway
Embrace new beginnings despite imperfect expression.
Themes
creativity
failure
language
self‑reflection
renewal
Mood
melancholic
introspective
Type
poetic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- writing practice
- therapy sessions
- creative workshops
- personal journaling
- learning new skills
Key Concepts
existential angst
artistic process
communication breakdown
Questions to Reflect On
- What does “new beginning” mean for you?
- How do you cope with inarticulate emotions?
A Different Perspective
May romanticize struggle over practical progress.