Barren Quote by Algernon Charles Swinburne
“I am tired of tears and laughter, And men that laugh and weep Of what may come hereafter For men that sow to reap: I am weary of days and hours, Blown buds of barren flowers, Desires and dreams and powers And everything but sleep.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: “The Garden of Proserpina” by Algernon Charles Swinburne, 1866
The speaker expresses deep fatigue with life's emotional extremes and the relentless passage of time, yearning for peace and sleep.
In simple terms: Exhausted by life's highs and lows, longing for rest.
Key Takeaway
Seek calm and restorative rest.
Themes
fatigue
existential dread
time
longing
peace
Mood
melancholic
contemplative
yearning
Type
poetic
philosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- nighttime reflection
- creative burnout
- grieving process
- spiritual contemplation
- daily stress
Key Concepts
Romanticism
nihilism
mortality
human condition
Questions to Reflect On
- What would a balanced emotional life look like for you?
- How can you honor both joy and sorrow without feeling drained?
A Different Perspective
May overlook the value of emotional depth and growth through sorrow and joy.
