--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Perishable, It Said Perishable, it said…" description: "\"“ Perishable, It Said Perishable, it said on the plastic container, And below, in different ink, The date to be used by, the last teaspoon consumed. I ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/80a/jane-hirshfield-2649_coffee-cup_perishable-it-said-perishable-it-said-on_2271528.jpg" --- # Perishable, It Said Perishable, it said on the plastic… ![“Perishable, It Said Perishable, it said on the plastic container, And below, in different ink, The date to be used by, the last teaspoon consumed. I found myself looking; Now at the back of each hand, Now inside the knees, Now turning over each foot to look at the sole. Then at the leaves of the…” quote by Jane Hirshfield](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/80a/jane-hirshfield-2649_coffee-cup_perishable-it-said-perishable-it-said-on_2271528.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/80a/jane-hirshfield-2649_coffee-cup_perishable-it-said-perishable-it-said-on_2271528.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/80a/jane-hirshfield-2649_coffee-cup_perishable-it-said-perishable-it-said-on_2271528.jpg) > ““ Perishable, It Said Perishable, it said on the plastic container, And below, in different ink, The date to be used by, the last teaspoon consumed. I found myself looking; Now at the back of each hand, Now inside the knees, Now turning over each foot to look at the sole. Then at the leaves of the young tomato plants, Then at the arguing jays. Under the wooden table and lifted stones, looking. Coffee cups, olives, cheeses, Hunger, sorrow, fears- These too would certainly vanish, without knowing when. How suddenly then The strange happiness took me, Like a man with strong hands and strong mouth, Inside that hour with its perishing perfumes and clashings.”” [Jane Hirshfield](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jane-hirshfield/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Contemplation of impermanence, noticing everyday objects as symbols of fleeting life. **In simple terms:** Seeing ordinary things reminds us everything fades. Key Takeaway Recognize and cherish the present moment. Themes impermanence mindfulness observation transience everyday life Mood reflective quiet thoughtful Type poetic philosophical When to use this quote - journaling - mindfulness practice - teaching about change Key Concepts poetry philosophical reflection temporal awareness Questions to Reflect On - What everyday object reminds you of life's fleeting nature? - How does noticing impermanence affect your choices? A Different Perspective The abstract style may be hard to grasp for some readers. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Coffee cup](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/coffee-cup/) [Consumed](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/consumed/) [Consumed Looking](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/consumed-looking-5266304/) [Death](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/death/) [Inspiration](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/inspiration/) [Life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life/) [Perishable](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/perishable/) [Perishable Said](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/perishable-said-5266303/) [Said Perishable](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/said-perishable-5266302/) [Strong hands](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/strong-hands/) ## Related quotes > [“Employees who are not engaged have untapped potential that sours like a perishable item.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kevin-e-phillips/employees-who-are-not-engaged-have-untapped-potential-that-sours-like/) [Kevin E. Phillips](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kevin-e-phillips/) > [The history of science shows that theories are perishable. With every new truth that is revealed we get a better understanding of Nature and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nikola-tesla/the-history-of-science-shows-that-theories-are-perishable-with-every/) [Nikola Tesla](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nikola-tesla/) > [The Mesh is about creating and managing what's perishable. 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The hot chili peppers in them explode in the mouth and the mind.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jane-hirshfield/metaphors-think-with-the-imagination-and-the-senses-the-hot-chili/) [Jane Hirshfield](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jane-hirshfield/) > [Your fate is to be yourself, both punishment and crime.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jane-hirshfield/your-fate-is-to-be-yourself-both-punishment-and-crime/) [Jane Hirshfield](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jane-hirshfield/) > [Near even a candle, the visible heat. 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I found myself looking; Now at the back of each hand, Now inside the knees, Now turning over each foot to look at the sole. Then at the leaves of the young tomato plants, Then at the arguing jays. Under the wooden table and lifted stones, looking. Coffee cups, olives, cheeses, Hunger, sorrow, fears- These too would certainly vanish, without knowing when. 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