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Bare branches Quote by Alice Hoffman

“Somehow, what they'd had was already over, and she hadn't even been aware of the end. This happened with roses: it was possible to take them for granted all summer as they wound along fences and gates, and then in September, when they faded, how beautiful they'd once been suddenly took hold. That…” quote by Alice Hoffman
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““Somehow, what they'd had was already over, and she hadn't even been aware of the end. This happened with roses: it was possible to take them for granted all summer as they wound along fences and gates, and then in September, when they faded, how beautiful they'd once been suddenly took hold. That was when people began to yearn for them, and all winter long they'd watch the bare branches for buds, vowing that this time they'd be grateful for all that they had.””

Alice Hoffman

About This Quote

Source Novel: “The World Between Us” (2004)

People take summer roses for granted; loss makes them appreciate beauty, prompting gratitude.

In simple terms: Loss reveals true value of beauty.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate gratitude before loss.

Themes

nature gratitude impermanence

Mood

nostalgic hopeful

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • gardening
  • relationship loss
  • personal reflection

Key Concepts

seasonality beauty appreciation

Questions to Reflect On

  • What do you cherish now?
  • How does loss change your view?
A Different Perspective

May romanticize loss.

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