Ghosts Quote by Ingeborg Bachmann
““Our field is the sky, tilled by the sweat of motors, in the face of night, at the risk of our dreams--- …. … … … … Who lived there? Whose hands were pure? Who glowed in the night, A ghost to other ghosts? Who lives down below? Who cries…. Who has lost the key to their house? Who can’t find their bed, who is sleeping on the steps of the stairs? When morning comes, who will dare interpret the silvery trace: look above me…When the water pushes the watermill wheel once again, who will dare remember the night?””
About This Quote
Source Poem: Unknown, possibly a lyrical collection, date unknown
The passage portrays a night‑time, dream‑like landscape where humanity confronts loss, longing, and the unknown, urging reflection on what we cherish and forget
In simple terms: Nighttime reflections on loss and longing
Key Takeaway
Consider what you have forgotten and why
Themes
existence
memory
longing
dreams
Mood
melancholic
contemplative
Type
poetic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- night watches
- personal grief
- creative inspiration
- philosophical contemplation
Key Concepts
existentialism
poetic imagery
human condition
Questions to Reflect On
- What does the “key to their house” symbolize?
- How does the watermill wheel represent memory?
A Different Perspective
The abstract style may obscure concrete meaning for some readers
