All things Quote by Elizabeth Barrett Browning
“They say that God lives very high! But if you look above the pines You cannot see our God. And why? And if you dig down in the mines You never see Him in the gold, Though from Him all that's glory shines. God is so good, He wears a fold Of heaven and earth across His face - Like secrets kept, for love, untold. But still I feel that His embrace Slides down by thrills, through all things made, Through sight and sound of every place: As if my tender brother laid On my shut lids, her kisses' pressure, Half waking me at night; and said, "Who kissed through the dark, dear guesser?"”
About This Quote
The poem reflects on the elusive nature of the divine, suggesting that God is both hidden in the grandeur of nature and present in the intimate moments of human experience, embodying love and mystery.
In simple terms: Divine mystery in nature and intimacy
Key Takeaway
God is both transcendent and immanent
Themes
spirituality
nature
love
mystery
human experience
Mood
awe
longing
comfort
Type
lyrical
philosophical
contemplative
When to use this quote
- contemplating nature
- personal prayer
- nighttime reflection
- grieving
- seeking meaning
Key Concepts
theology
poetry
perception
Practical Applications
- spiritual meditation
- creative writing
Questions to Reflect On
- How does the poem reconcile God's vastness with personal intimacy?
- What images best convey the hidden presence of the divine?
