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End of time Quote by Robert Lowell

“No weekends for the gods now. Wars flicker, earth licks its open sores, fresh breakage, fresh promotions, chance assassinations, no advance. Only man thinning out his own kind sounds through the Sabbath noon, the blind swipe of the pruner and his knife busy about the tree of life... Pity the…” quote by Robert Lowell
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““No weekends for the gods now. Wars flicker, earth licks its open sores, fresh breakage, fresh promotions, chance assassinations, no advance. Only man thinning out his own kind sounds through the Sabbath noon, the blind swipe of the pruner and his knife busy about the tree of life... Pity the planet, all joy gone from this sweet volcanic cone; peace to our children when they fall in small war on the heels of small war - until the end of time to police th eearth, a ghost orbiting forever lost in our monotonous sublime.””

Robert Lowell

About This Quote

Source Poem: “The Day After the Fair” by Robert Lowell, 1964

The poem portrays a bleak, war‑torn world where humanity’s self‑destruction is inevitable.

In simple terms: War destroys humanity and hope.

Key Takeaway

Recognize the cost of conflict.

Themes

war environment existential dread

Mood

somber philosophical

Type

poetic lamentation

When to use this quote

  • political discourse
  • environmental activism
  • personal reflection

Key Concepts

nihilism ecocriticism

Questions to Reflect On

  • Can we find hope amid devastation?
  • What responsibilities do we hold for the planet?
A Different Perspective

Optimism may be unrealistic in such a setting.

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