First time Quote by W.S. Merwin
““Place" On the last day of the world I would want to plant a tree what for not the fruit the tree that bears the fruit is not the one that was planted I want the tree that stands in the earth for the first time with the sun already going down and the water touching its roots in the earth full of the dead and the clouds passing one by one over its leaves””
About This Quote
Source Poem: “Place” (date unknown)
The speaker values the act of planting a tree for its existence, not its future fruit, emphasizing presence over future reward.
In simple terms: Value the act of planting, not the fruit.
Key Takeaway
Appreciate present effort.
Themes
nature
patience
philosophy
Mood
reflective
contemplative
Type
poetic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- gardening
- long‑term projects
- legacy building
Key Concepts
existentialism
environmental ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do we often chase results over process?
- What does planting symbolize for you?
A Different Perspective
Future outcomes may be uncertain, making present focus challenging.
![“The thing that makes poetry different from all other arts [is that] you're using language, which is what you use for everything else--telling lies and selling socks, advertising and conducting law. Whereas we don't write little concerti to each other, or paint pictures.” quote by W.S. Merwin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d26/w-s-merwin-2-23725_art_the-thing-that-makes-poetry-different-fr_508289.jpg)
