At start of spring I open a trench In the ground. I put…
““At start of spring I open a trench In the ground. I put into it The winter’s accumulation of paper, Pages I do not want to read Again, useless words, fragments, errors. And I put into it the contents of the outhouse: light of the suns, growth of the ground, Finished with one of their journeys. To the sky, to the wind, then, and to the faithful trees, I confess my sins: that I have not been happy enough, considering my good luck; have listened to too much noise, have been inattentive to wonders, have lusted after praise. And then upon the gathered refuse, of mind and body, I close the trench folding shut again the dark, the deathless earth. Beneath that seal the old escapes into the new.””
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 buries unwanted thoughts and regrets, using a trench as a metaphor for letting go and allowing renewal.
In simple terms: Bury bad memories to make space for new growth.
Key Takeaway
Release the past to nurture fresh beginnings.
Themes
reflection
renewal
acceptance
Mood
contemplative
hopeful
Type
poetic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal journaling
- grieving
- mindfulness
- creative writing
Key Concepts
metaphor
transformation
spirituality
Questions to Reflect On
- What old habits are you ready to bury?
- How can you honor past lessons while moving forward?
A Different Perspective
Letting go may not erase lingering pain.