Death Quote by W.S. Merwin
““…Preserve my eyes, which are irreplaceable. Preserve my heart, veins, bones, Against the slow death building in them like hornets until the place is entirely theirs. Preserve my tongue and I will bless you again and again…” ―W.S. Merwin””
About This Quote
The poet implores preservation of the body’s essential parts against a slow, insidious decay that threatens to claim them entirely.
In simple terms: A plea to protect one’s physical and spiritual core.
Key Takeaway
Guard against gradual destruction.
Themes
mortality
preservation
decay
vulnerability
spirituality
Mood
somber
reflective
Type
prayer
poetic appeal
When to use this quote
- confronting illness
- reflecting on aging
- seeking spiritual protection
Key Concepts
human fragility
existential urgency
Practical Applications
- poetic meditation
- health‑awareness campaigns
Questions to Reflect On
- What does “slow death” symbolize in modern life?
- How can one actively preserve what is irreplaceable?
![“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)
