Dove Quote by Marcus Tullius Cicero
“Were floods of tears to be unloosed In tribute to my grief, The doves of Noah ne'er had roost Nor found an olive-leaf.”
About This Quote
The poet laments that even the symbolic peace of Noah's dove—normally a sign of hope—fails to appear, suggesting profound, unrelenting sorrow.
In simple terms: Even hopeful symbols are absent in deep grief.
Key Takeaway
Grief can eclipse symbols of hope.
Themes
grief
hope
symbolism
loss
Mood
somber
poignant
Type
poetic
lament
When to use this quote
- mourning after a disaster
- reflecting on lost peace after conflict
- artistic expression of sorrow
Key Concepts
mythic symbolism
emotional desolation
Practical Applications
- use personal rituals to create new symbols of hope
- allow space for grieving without forced optimism
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we cultivate new symbols of hope after loss?
- When does mourning become counterproductive?
A Different Perspective
The reference to Cicero is historically inaccurate; the line resembles poetic invention rather than a known work.
![“This afternoon a flock of doves settled on my porch. Their silence took the shape of all I ever wanted to say. Today, the miracle we want aches inside the trees. Why believe anything except what is unbelievable? […] Now the leaves turn into messages that are simply impossible to read. The roots…” quote by Richard Jackson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bb6/richard-jackson-29000_song_this-afternoon-a-flock-of-doves-settled_639358.jpg)
![“Things sacred should not only be touched with the hands, but unviolated in thought. [Lat., Res sacros non modo manibus attingi, sed ne cogitatione quidem violari fas fuit.]” quote by Marcus Tullius Cicero](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/deb/marcus-tullius-cicero-157_hands_things-sacred-should-not-only-be-touched_11960.jpg)
