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The Emperor of Ice-Cream Call the roller of big cigars…

“The Emperor of Ice-Cream Call the roller of big cigars, The muscular one, and bid him whip In kitchen cups concupiscent curds. Let the wenches dawdle in such dress As they are used to wear, and let the boys Bring flowers in last month's newspapers. Let be be finale of seem. The only emperor is the…” quote by Wallace Stevens
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““The Emperor of Ice-Cream Call the roller of big cigars, The muscular one, and bid him whip In kitchen cups concupiscent curds. Let the wenches dawdle in such dress As they are used to wear, and let the boys Bring flowers in last month's newspapers. Let be be finale of seem. The only emperor is the emperor of ice-cream. Take from the dresser of deal, Lacking the three glass knobs, that sheet On which she embroidered fantails once And spread it so as to cover her face. If her horny feet protrude, they come To show how cold she is, and dumb. Let the lamp affix its beam. The only emperor is the emperor of ice-cream.””

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 celebrates earthly pleasures and the fleeting nature of life, urging acceptance of mortality.

In simple terms: Enjoy life’s simple, sensory moments.

Key Takeaway

Live fully in the present.

Themes

mortality pleasure existence

Mood

contemplative joyful

Type

philosophical artistic

When to use this quote

  • dining
  • art appreciation
  • celebrating daily life
  • accepting death

Key Concepts

impermanence sensory experience

Questions to Reflect On

  • What simple pleasure brings you joy now?
  • How do you confront life’s transience?
A Different Perspective

May glorify indulgence over deeper meaning.

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