Now that’s what I call magic—seein’ all that, dealin’ with…
““Now that’s what I call magic—seein’ all that, dealin’ with all that, and still goin’ on. It’s sittin’ up all night with some poor old man who’s leavin’ the world, taking away such pain as you can, comfortin’ their terror, seein’ ‘em safely on their way…and then cleanin’ ‘em up, layin’ ‘em out, making ‘em neat for the funeral, and helpin’ the weeping widow strip the bed and wash the sheets—which is, let me tell you, no errand for the fainthearted—and stayin’ up the next night to watch over the coffin before the funeral, and then going home and sitting down for five minutes before some shouting angry man comes bangin’ on your door ‘cuz his wife’s havin’ difficulty givin’ birth to their first child and the midwife’s at her wits’ end and then getting up and fetching your bag and going out again…We all do that, in our own way, and she does it better’n me, if I was to put my hand on my heart. That is the root and heart and soul and center of witchcraft, that is. The soul and center!””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The passage describes the relentless, selfless service of a healer or caretaker, likening it to a form of magic rooted in compassion and duty.
In simple terms: Selfless service is a kind of magic.
Key Takeaway
Embrace compassionate duty.
Themes
service
compassion
magic
duty
sacrifice
Mood
empathetic
determined
reflective
Type
literary
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- caring for the dying
- assisting childbirth
- handling emergencies
- supporting grieving families
Key Concepts
altruism
ritual
humanity
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you sustain compassion under constant strain?
- What boundaries protect you from exhaustion?
A Different Perspective
Such work can be emotionally draining and may lead to burnout if not balanced.