Tell Quote by W.S. Merwin
““Tell me what you see vanishing and I will tell you who you are””
About This Quote
Source Poem: “The Vanishing” from “The Carrier of Ladders,” 1975
One’s perception of loss reveals deeper aspects of identity and self‑understanding.
In simple terms: What you notice disappearing shows who you are.
Key Takeaway
Reflect on what you miss to understand yourself.
Themes
identity
perception
loss
self‑knowledge
Mood
introspective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
poetic
When to use this quote
- grief counseling
- personal growth
- art criticism
- mindfulness
Key Concepts
existentialism
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- What does your focus on loss say about you?
- How can you balance awareness of loss with other self‑aspects?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on loss can obscure other facets of identity.
![“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)
