Needle Quote by William S. Burroughs
““How many years threaded on a needle of blood? Hands slack on lap he sits looking out at the winter dawn with the cancelled eyes of junk.””
About This Quote
Source Poem: Unpublished fragment, 1970s
The verse uses stark imagery of blood and winter to convey existential emptiness and a sense of being trapped.
In simple terms: Life feels empty and trapped like a cold winter dawn.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and confront existential emptiness.
Themes
existentialism
isolation
despair
winter imagery
Mood
melancholic
contemplative
Type
poetic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- creative writing
- mental health counseling
- personal reflection
- art therapy
Key Concepts
poetry
philosophy
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- What does the “needle of blood” symbolize for you?
- How can you find warmth in a cold emotional landscape?
A Different Perspective
The metaphor may be too abstract for practical action.
