--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: There are Four of Us I have turned aside…" description: "\"“ There are Four of Us I have turned aside from everything, from the whole earthly store. The spirit and guardian of this place is an old tree-stump in..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/75a/anna-akhmatova-3933_habits_there-are-four-of-us-i-have-turned-aside_2155601.jpg" --- # There are Four of Us I have turned aside from everything… ![“There are Four of Us I have turned aside from everything, from the whole earthly store. The spirit and guardian of this place is an old tree-stump in water. We are brief guests of the earth, as it were, and life is a habit we put on. On paths of air I seem to overhear two friendly voices, talking…” quote by Anna Akhmatova](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/75a/anna-akhmatova-3933_habits_there-are-four-of-us-i-have-turned-aside_2155601.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/75a/anna-akhmatova-3933_habits_there-are-four-of-us-i-have-turned-aside_2155601.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/75a/anna-akhmatova-3933_habits_there-are-four-of-us-i-have-turned-aside_2155601.jpg) > ““ There are Four of Us I have turned aside from everything, from the whole earthly store. The spirit and guardian of this place is an old tree-stump in water. We are brief guests of the earth, as it were, and life is a habit we put on. On paths of air I seem to overhear two friendly voices, talking in turn. Did I say two?...There by the east wall's tangle of raspberry, is a branch of elder, dark and fresh. Why! It's a letter from Marina. November 1962 (in delirium)”” [Anna Akhmatova](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anna-akhmatova/) ## 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 reflects on humanity’s fleeting presence, guided by nature’s quiet guardians, and receives a mysterious message amid personal turmoil. **In simple terms:** Life is brief; nature watches; unexpected messages appear. Key Takeaway Embrace transience, listen to nature, stay open to signs. Themes transience nature mystery Mood melancholic introspective Type poetic philosophical When to use this quote - grief coping - creative inspiration - spiritual reflection Key Concepts Existentialism nature symbolism psychology Questions to Reflect On - What does the “old tree‑stump” symbolize for you? - How does the letter change your perspective? 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