Abyss Quote by Paul Celan
“Poetry is perhaps this: an Atemwende, a turning of our breath. Who knows, perhaps poetry goes its way—the way of art—for the sake of just such a turn? And since the strange, the abyss and Medusa’s head, the abyss and the automaton, all seem to lie in the same direction—is it perhaps this turn, this Atemwende, which can sort out the strange from the strange? It is perhaps here, in this one brief moment, that Medusa’s head shrivels and the automaton runs down? Perhaps, along with the I, estranged and freed here, in this manner, some other thing is also set free?”
About This Quote
Source Poetry: The Collected Poems of Paul Celan, 1971
Poetry acts as a breath‑turn, separating the strange from the strange and freeing both the poet and the object of contemplation.
In simple terms: Poetry changes our breath and frees strange things.
Key Takeaway
Use poetry to confront and release hidden fears.
Themes
art
poetry
transformation
freedom
the uncanny
Mood
reflective
enigmatic
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- creative writing
- psychotherapy
- art criticism
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
Atemwende
medusa
automaton
strangeness
Questions to Reflect On
- How does a poem change your perception of the uncanny?
- What does “breath‑turn” mean to you?
A Different Perspective
Poetry may not resolve all contradictions, and its meaning can be elusive.
