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Then I remember: death comes before the rolling away of…

“Then I remember: death comes before the rolling away of the stone.” quote by Mary Oliver
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““Then I remember: death comes before the rolling away of the stone.””

Mary Oliver

About This Quote

Source Poem: “The Journey” in “New and Selected Poems”, 1992

Death precedes the final release, symbolized by a stone rolling away.

In simple terms: Death comes before the stone rolls away.

Key Takeaway

Accept mortality as part of life's cycle.

Themes

mortality spirituality acceptance

Mood

reflective peaceful

Type

poetic philosophical

When to use this quote

  • grieving
  • end‑of‑life care
  • personal reflection
  • spiritual practice

Key Concepts

existentialism transcendence ritual

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does the stone symbolize for you?
  • How does this view affect your life choices?
A Different Perspective

Interpretations may vary across cultures.

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