Poetry Quote by Pat Conroy
““When the poet closed her eyes the wingspan of the great horned owl cast a tawny shadow over the green immense forests. The owl returned to the forsaken nests of migrating buntings, entered the perfect circle in the heart of cypress, and found the misplaced opal, the color of buttermilk tinted with the inks of crushed violets. The””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Water Is Wide, 1972
A vivid, dream‑like scene uses an owl’s flight to evoke memory, loss, and the search for something precious in a vast forest.
In simple terms: An owl’s journey reflects longing for a lost treasure.
Key Takeaway
Seek what you have lost within the larger landscape.
Themes
nature
memory
longing
search
beauty
Mood
melancholic
reflective
hopeful
Type
poetic
descriptive
metaphorical
When to use this quote
- forest hikes
- creative writing
- grief counseling
- artistic inspiration
Key Concepts
symbolism
imagery
mythic resonance
Questions to Reflect On
- What does the owl represent in your own life?
- How can you find beauty amid loss?
A Different Perspective
The metaphor may romanticize loss, ignoring practical realities of grief.
