Breaths Quote by Ernest Dowson
“Last night, ah, yesternight, betwixt her lips and mine There fell thy shadow, Cynara! thy breath was shed Upon my soul between the kisses and the wine; And I was desolate and sick of an old passion, Yea, I was desolate and bowed my head: I have been faithful to thee, Cynara! in my fashion.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: “Cynara” by Ernest Dowson, 1894
A lover laments the lingering memory of a past love that haunts him despite his devotion to another.
In simple terms: Past love haunts him despite devotion.
Key Takeaway
Acknowledge lingering feelings without letting them dominate.
Themes
love
loss
longing
faithfulness
memory
Mood
melancholic
reflective
Type
poetic
literary
When to use this quote
- relationship reflection
- writing inspiration
- emotional processing
Key Concepts
Romanticism
nostalgia
unrequited love
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you hold onto past loves that affect current relationships?
- How can you honor memories without being trapped?
A Different Perspective
The poet’s idealization may obscure present responsibilities.
