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Lay your sleeping head, my love, Human on my faithless…

“Lay your sleeping head, my love, Human on my faithless arm; Time and fevers burn away Individual beauty from Thoughtful children, and the grave Proves the child ephemeral: But in my arms till break of day Let the living creature lie, Mortal, guilty, but to me The entirely beautiful.” quote by W.H. Auden
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““Lay your sleeping head, my love, Human on my faithless arm; Time and fevers burn away Individual beauty from Thoughtful children, and the grave Proves the child ephemeral: But in my arms till break of day Let the living creature lie, Mortal, guilty, but to me The entirely beautiful.””

W.H. Auden

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A lyrical meditation on fleeting human beauty and mortality, finding solace in intimate, imperfect love.

In simple terms: Love embraces imperfection and transience.

Key Takeaway

Human frailty is beautiful when shared.

Themes

mortality love imperfection beauty

Mood

melancholic tender reflective

Type

poetic lyric meditation

When to use this quote

  • poetry analysis
  • literary studies
  • therapy sessions

Key Concepts

transience humanity

Practical Applications

  • creative writing classes
  • psychological counseling

Questions to Reflect On

  • What makes imperfection appealing in love?
  • How does mortality shape our perception of beauty?
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