Inspirational Quote by Theodore Roethke
““A wave of Time hangs motionless on this particular shore. I notice a tree, arsenical grey in the light, or the slow Wheel of the stars, the Great Bear glittering colder than snow, And remember there was something else I was hoping for.””
About This Quote
Source Poem: “The Great Bear” from The Collected Poems, 1964
The poem juxtaposes timeless natural symbols with personal longing, highlighting yearning amid cosmic stillness.
In simple terms: Nature’s symbols reflect personal desire.
Key Takeaway
Notice how external scenes echo inner hopes.
Themes
longing
nature
existential
Mood
melancholic
inspirational
Type
poetic
reflective
When to use this quote
- night walks
- stargazing
- creative writing
- meditation
- art critique
Key Concepts
symbolism
contemplation
Questions to Reflect On
- What does the “Great Bear” symbolize for you?
- How do natural cycles influence your aspirations?
A Different Perspective
Personal desire may be misread as external.
