Bird Quote by A. Merritt
““Again burst out that chant McKay had heard as he had floated through the mists upon the lake. Now, as then, despite his opened ears, he could distinguish no words, but clearly he understood its mingled themes - the joy of Spring's awakening, rebirth, with the green life streaming singing up through every bough, swelling the buds, burgeoning with tender leaves the branches; the dance of the trees in the scented winds of Spring; the drums of the jubilant rain on leafy hoods; passion of Summer sun pouring its golden flood down upon the trees; the moon passing with stately step and slow and green hands stretching up to her and drawing from her breast milk of silver fire; riot of wild gay winds with their mad pipings and strummings; - soft interlacing of boughs, the kiss of amorous leaves - all these and more, much more that McKay could not understand for it dealt with hidden, secret things for which man has no images. ("The Women Of The Woods")””
About This Quote
Source Short story: “The Women Of The Woods” by A. Merritt, 1923
The passage describes an indescribable, mystical chant that embodies the cycles of nature, evoking profound, hidden emotions beyond human comprehension.
In simple terms: A chant reflects nature’s cycles and secret, deep feelings.
Key Takeaway
Listen to nature’s subtle messages.
Themes
nature
mysticism
transcendence
emotion
Mood
awe
reflective
Type
poetic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- forest walks
- meditation
- creative writing
- artistic inspiration
Key Concepts
symbolism
ecology
spirituality
Questions to Reflect On
- How can art convey what words cannot?
- What does the chant reveal about humanity’s limits?
A Different Perspective
Human language may never fully capture such ineffable experiences.
