Despair Quote by Anne Sexton
““Despair Who is he? A railroad track toward hell? Breaking like a stick of furniture? The hope that suddenly overflows the cesspool? The love that goes down the drain like spit? The love that said forever, forever and then runs you over like a truck? Are you a prayer that floats into a radio advertisement? Despair, I don't like you very well. You don't suit my clothes or my cigarettes. Why do you locate here as large as a tank, aiming at one half of a lifetime? Couldn't you just go float into a tree instead of locating here at my roots, forcing me out of the life I've led when it's been my belly so long? All right! I'll take you along on the trip where for so many years my arms have been speechless””
About This Quote
Source Poem: “Despair” by Anne Sexton, 1965
The poem portrays despair as an invasive, overwhelming force that distorts hope and love, yet the speaker confronts it with defiant humor and resilience.
In simple terms: Despair feels huge and oppressive, but the speaker fights back with sarcasm.
Key Takeaway
Acknowledge despair, then mock and move past it.
Themes
despair
defiance
humor
resilience
Mood
dark
defiant
reflective
Type
poetic
confessional
literary
When to use this quote
- personal crisis
- creative writing
- mental health coping
- artistic expression
Key Concepts
existential crisis
psychological struggle
self‑reflection
Questions to Reflect On
- How does humor change your relationship with despair?
- What personal “roots” does despair threaten?
A Different Perspective
Despair may dominate thoughts, making rational action difficult.
