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For the soldier of time, it breathes a summer sleep, In…

“For the soldier of time, it breathes a summer sleep, In which his wound is good because life was. No part of him was ever part of death. A woman smoothes her forehead with her hand And the soldier of time lies calm beneath that stroke.” quote by Wallace Stevens
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“For the soldier of time, it breathes a summer sleep, In which his wound is good because life was. No part of him was ever part of death. A woman smoothes her forehead with her hand And the soldier of time lies calm beneath that stroke.”

Wallace Stevens

About This Quote

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

The poem reflects on time as a soldier whose wounds heal in a peaceful, summer-like state, untouched by death, and comforted by a woman's gentle touch.

In simple terms: Time heals wounds peacefully, untouched by death.

Key Takeaway

Embrace calm moments of healing.

Themes

healing time comfort death peace

Mood

reflective tranquil

Type

poetic contemplative

When to use this quote

  • grief recovery
  • caregiving
  • personal reflection
  • meditation
  • artistic contemplation

Key Concepts

mortality transience human experience

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you find calm during personal crises?
  • What does “soldier of time” symbolize for you?
A Different Perspective

The metaphor may obscure practical coping strategies for trauma.

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