Death Quote by Edna St. Vincent Millay
““Well, I have lost you; and I lost you fairly; In my own way, and with my full consent. Say what you will, kings in a tumbrel rarely Went to their deaths more proud than this one went. Some nights of apprehension and hot weeping I will confess; but that's permitted me; Day dried my eyes; I was not one for keeping Rubbed in a cage a wing that would be free. If I had loved you less or played you slyly I might have held you for a summer more, But at the cost of words I value highly, And no such summer as the one before. Should I outlive this anguish, and men do, I shall have only good to say of you.””
About This Quote
Source Poem: “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” (paraphrased), 1920s literature
A speaker reflects on loss, consent, and the bittersweet nature of love, acknowledging that even painful memories become treasured.
In simple terms: Loss and love intertwine, leaving lasting reverence.
Key Takeaway
Cherish painful memories as part of love.
Themes
loss
love
consent
reflection
Mood
melancholy
reflective
Type
poetic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- grieving a lost partner
- writing poetry
- contemplating past relationships
Key Concepts
existentialism
romanticism
memory
Questions to Reflect On
- How does grief shape your view of love?
- Can acceptance transform pain into gratitude?
A Different Perspective
Acknowledging pain may limit future happiness.
