Fear Quote by John Ashbery
““Where then shall hope and fear their objects find? The harbor cold to the mating ships, And you have lost as you stand by the balcony With the forest of the sea calm and gray beneath. A strong impression torn from the descending light But night is guilty. You knew the shadow In the trunk was raving But as you keep growing hungry you forget. The distant box is open. A sound of grain Poured over the floor in some eagerness--we Rise with the night let out of the box of wind.””
About This Quote
Source Poem: “The Harbor” by John Ashbery, 1970
The poem reflects on longing, uncertainty, and the interplay of hope and fear amid a bleak, shifting landscape.
In simple terms: Hope and fear search for meaning in a cold, changing world.
Key Takeaway
Embrace uncertainty and seek clarity.
Themes
hope
fear
uncertainty
nature
perception
Mood
melancholic
contemplative
Type
poetic
literary
When to use this quote
- creative writing
- personal reflection
- artistic inspiration
- meditation on change
Key Concepts
existentialism
symbolism
imagery
Questions to Reflect On
- What does the “harbor” symbolize for you?
- How do you navigate hope and fear?
A Different Perspective
The abstract language may obscure concrete guidance for action.
![“Fear cannot be without hope nor hope without fear. [They are the two sides of a coin, so learning how to manage fear through learning, understanding, rationality, controlled imagination, preparation, mental focus (including distraction) and a gratitude attitude is very helpful.]” quote by Baruch Spinoza](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d90/baruch-spinoza-1338_anticipation_fear-cannot-be-without-hope-nor-hope-wit_304096.jpg)
