Air Quote by Anonymous
“The dove descending breaks the air With flame of incandescent terror Of which the tongues declare The one discharge from sin and error. The only hope, or else despair Lies in the choice of pyre or pyre- To be redeemed from fire by fire. Who then devised the torment? Love. Love is the unfamiliar Name Behind the hands that wove The intolerable shirt of flame Which human power cannot remove. We only live, only suspire Consumed by either fire or fire.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: Unknown, likely contemporary free verse
The poem juxtaposes fire as both destructive and purifying, suggesting love and choice determine redemption or ruin.
In simple terms: Fire symbolizes both pain and cleansing; love guides the choice.
Key Takeaway
Choose love over fear to transform suffering.
Themes
redemption
love
choice
fire
Mood
intense
reflective
Type
poetic
philosophical
emotional
When to use this quote
- personal crisis
- spiritual awakening
- conflict resolution
- creative expression
- moral decision
Key Concepts
dualism
sacrifice
transformation
Questions to Reflect On
- How does love change the meaning of suffering?
- What choice does fire represent in your life?
A Different Perspective
The abstract imagery may obscure practical guidance for readers.
![“Just between you and me, shouldn’t the World Bank be encouraging MORE migration of the dirty industries to the LDCs [Less Developed Countries]?... I think the economic logic behind dumping a load of toxic waste in the lowest wage country is impeccable and we should face up to that... I’ve always…” quote by Lawrence Summers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ac4/lawrence-summers-16940_air_just-between-you-and-me-shouldn-t-the-wo_4703.jpg)
![“[A]s you partake of the world's bill of fare, that's darned good advice to follow. Do a lot of spitting out the hot air. And be careful what you swallow.” quote by Dr. Seuss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/da8/dr-seuss-1224_advice_a-s-you-partake-of-the-world-s-bill-of-f_6806.jpg)
