Mother Quote by Li-Young Lee
““The moon from any window is one part whoever’s looking. The part I can’t see is everything my sister keeps to herself. One part my dead brother’s sleepless brow, the other part the time I waste, the time I won’t have. But which is the lion killed for the sake of the honey inside him, and which the wine, stranded in a valley, unredeemed? And don’t forget the curtains. Don’t forget the wind in the trees, or my mother’s voice saying things that will take my whole life to come true. One part earnest child grown tall in his mother’s doorway, and one a last look over the shoulder before leaving. And never forget it answers to no address, but calls wave after wave to a path or thirst. Never forget the candle climbing down without glancing back. And what about the heart counting alone, out loud, in that game in which the many hide from the one? Never forget the cry completely hollowed of the dying one who cried it. Only in such pure outpouring is there room for all this night.””
About This Quote
Source Poem: “Untitled” by Li‑Young Lee, 1990s (published in collection)
The poem weaves memory, loss, and longing, using vivid images to explore how personal and collective histories intertwine.
In simple terms: Memory and loss blend in vivid images.
Key Takeaway
Notice how small details hold deep meaning.
Themes
memory
loss
family
time
identity
Mood
melancholic
contemplative
Type
poetic
lyational
When to use this quote
- journaling
- grief counseling
- family storytelling
- creative writing
Key Concepts
poetry
imagery
stream of consciousness
Questions to Reflect On
- Which image resonates most with your own experience?
- How does the poem’s structure affect its emotional impact?
A Different Perspective
The abstract style may be hard to grasp for some readers.
