Dreams Quote by Richard Siken
““I looked at all the trees and didn’t know what to do. A box made out of leaves. What else was in the woods? A heart, closing. Nevertheless. Everyone needs a place. It shouldn’t be inside of someone else. I kept my mind on the moon. Cold moon, long nights moon. From the landscape: a sense of scale. From the dead: a sense of scale. I turned my back on the story. A sense of superiority. Everything casts a shadow. Your body told me in a dream it’s never been afraid of anything.””
About This Quote
Source Poem: “The Book of My Mother” by Richard Siken, 2015
The speaker feels alienated, searching for meaning in nature and dreams, confronting mortality and the need for personal space.
In simple terms: Feeling lost, seeking purpose, fearing dependence.
Key Takeaway
Find your own place and accept impermanence.
Themes
alienation
search
mortality
identity
dreams
Mood
melancholic
contemplative
lonely
Type
poetic
reflective
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal reflection
- creative writing
- therapy
- spiritual contemplation
Key Concepts
existentialism
psychology
nature symbolism
Questions to Reflect On
- What does “the moon” represent for you?
- How can you create personal space without isolation?
A Different Perspective
The poetic imagery may obscure practical guidance for concrete action.
