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Journey Quote by Mark Strand

“The Hill I have come this far on my own legs, missing the bus, missing taxis, climbing always. One foot in front of the other, that is the way I do it. It does not bother me, the way the hill goes on. Grass beside the road, a tree rattling its black leaves. So what? The longer I walk, the farther…” quote by Mark Strand
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““The Hill I have come this far on my own legs, missing the bus, missing taxis, climbing always. One foot in front of the other, that is the way I do it. It does not bother me, the way the hill goes on. Grass beside the road, a tree rattling its black leaves. So what? The longer I walk, the farther I am from everything. One foot in front of the other. The hours pass. One foot in front of the other. The years pass. The colors of arrival fade. That is the way I do it.””

Mark Strand

About This Quote

Source Poem: “The Hill” from The Collected Poems of Mark Strand, 1995

A contemplative walk reflects endurance, acceptance of solitude, and the passage of time as one persists forward despite uncertainty.

In simple terms: Walking shows perseverance and acceptance of time.

Key Takeaway

Keep moving forward despite doubt.

Themes

endurance solitude time acceptance perseverance

Mood

reflective steady melancholic

Type

poetic philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • long hikes
  • daily commuting
  • personal setbacks
  • grieving loss
  • spiritual pilgrimage

Key Concepts

existentialism mindfulness resilience

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does the hill symbolize for you?
  • How do you balance persistence with seeking help?
A Different Perspective

The metaphor may oversimplify complex struggles and ignore need for support.

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