Quote by Wallace Stevens
““The Emperor of Ice-Cream Call the roller of big cigars, The muscular one, and bid him whip In kitchen cups concupiscent curds. Let the wenches dawdle in such dress As they are used to wear, and let the boys Bring flowers in last month's newspapers. Let be be finale of seem. The only emperor is the emperor of ice-cream. Take from the dresser of deal, Lacking the three glass knobs, that sheet On which she embroidered fantails once And spread it so as to cover her face. If her horny feet protrude, they come To show how cold she is, and dumb. Let the lamp affix its beam. The only emperor is the emperor of ice-cream.””
About This Quote
Source Poem: “The Emperor of Ice‑Cream”, 1922
The poem celebrates earthly pleasures and the fleeting nature of life, urging acceptance of mortality.
In simple terms: Enjoy life’s simple, sensory moments.
Key Takeaway
Live fully in the present.
Themes
mortality
pleasure
existence
Mood
contemplative
joyful
Type
philosophical
artistic
When to use this quote
- dining
- art appreciation
- celebrating daily life
- accepting death
Key Concepts
impermanence
sensory experience
Questions to Reflect On
- What simple pleasure brings you joy now?
- How do you confront life’s transience?
A Different Perspective
May glorify indulgence over deeper meaning.
