Darkness Quote by Lawrence Ferlinghetti
““It was a face which darkness could kill in an instant a face as easily hurt by laughter or light 'We think differently at night' she told me once lying back languidly And she would quote Cocteau 'I feel there is an angel in me' she'd say 'whom I am constantly shocking' Then she would smile and look away light a cigarette for me sigh and rise and stretch her sweet anatomy let fall a stocking””
About This Quote
Source Poem: "The Angel of the City" by Lawrence Ferlinghetti, 1970
A vivid portrait of a fragile, luminous being whose vulnerability is heightened by both darkness and light, reflecting inner turmoil and self‑shock.
In simple terms: A delicate person is easily hurt by extremes of darkness and light.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and protect fragile selves.
Themes
vulnerability
identity
light
darkness
Mood
melancholic
introspective
Type
poetic
literary
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- artistic expression
- mental health support
Key Concepts
existentialism
self‑perception
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you support those who feel easily wounded?
- What does “angel in me” suggest about self‑image?
A Different Perspective
The metaphor may romanticize suffering rather than offering concrete help.
![“[S]he came up suddenly beside me so I saw her reflection in a mirror. At the sight of her I was paralyzed with happiness; … [S]he was smiling at me, … not a dream but a presence that filled the whole room … I knew I couldn’t turn around, that to look at her directly was to violate the laws of her…” quote by Donna Tartt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bd2/donna-tartt-391_happiness_s-he-came-up-suddenly-beside-me-so-i-saw_491718.jpg)
