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Feet Quote by Robert Southey

“I can remember, with unsteady feet, Tottering from room to room, and finding pleasure In flowers, and toys, and sweetmeats, things which long Have lost their power to please; which when I see them, Raise only now a melancholy wish I were the little trifler once again, Who could be pleas'd so…” quote by Robert Southey
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“I can remember, with unsteady feet, Tottering from room to room, and finding pleasure In flowers, and toys, and sweetmeats, things which long Have lost their power to please; which when I see them, Raise only now a melancholy wish I were the little trifler once again, Who could be pleas'd so lightly.”

Robert Southey

About This Quote

Source Poem: “The Little Trifler” from *The Poetical Works of Robert Southey*, 1800

Recalls childhood wonder and the loss of simple joys as one ages, yearning for carefree innocence.

In simple terms: Childhood joys fade, leaving longing for innocence.

Key Takeaway

Seek simple pleasures again.

Themes

childhood loss longing

Mood

melancholy reflective

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • parenting
  • elder care
  • creative writing

Key Concepts

nostalgia impermanence

Questions to Reflect On

  • What simple pleasures have you neglected?
  • Can you recreate childlike wonder today?
A Different Perspective

Adults may romanticize childhood, ignoring growth.

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