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Remember Quote by John Ashbery

“Yes, they are alive and can have those colors, But I, in my soul, am alive too. I feel I must sing and dance, to tell Of this in a way, that knowing you may be drawn to me. And I sing amid despair and isolation Of the chance to know you, to sing of me Which are you. You see, You hold me up to the…” quote by John Ashbery
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““Yes, they are alive and can have those colors, But I, in my soul, am alive too. I feel I must sing and dance, to tell Of this in a way, that knowing you may be drawn to me. And I sing amid despair and isolation Of the chance to know you, to sing of me Which are you. You see, You hold me up to the light in a way I should never have expected, or suspected, perhaps Because you always tell me I am you, And right. The great spruces loom. I am yours to die with, to desire. I cannot ever think of me, I desire you For a room in which the chairs ever Have their backs turned to the light Inflicted on the stone and paths, the real trees That seem to shine at me through a lattice toward you. If the wild light of this January day is true I pledge me to be truthful unto you Whom I cannot ever stop remembering. Remembering to forgive. Remember to pass beyond you into the day On the wings of the secret you will never know. Taking me from myself, in the path Which the pastel girth of the day has assigned to me. I prefer "you" in the plural, I want "you," You must come to me, all golden and pale Like the dew and the air. And then I start getting this feeling of exaltation.””

John Ashbery

About This Quote

The poet expresses an intertwined identity with another, seeking connection through artistic expression amid isolation, and pledges truthfulness and forgiveness.

In simple terms: Yearning for unity through art.

Key Takeaway

Art bridges solitude and communion.

Themes

identity connection artistic expression loneliness forgiveness spiritual yearning

Mood

melancholic hopeful exultant

Type

lyric philosophical confessional

When to use this quote

  • intimate conversation
  • creative collaboration
  • solitary reflection
  • ritual performance
  • shared mourning

Key Concepts

self‑other relationship creative catharsis transcendence

Practical Applications

  • poetry therapy
  • collaborative songwriting

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does artistic creation alter our sense of self?
  • What does it mean to be 'alive' in another's perception?
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