Children Quote by Woody Johnson
““These Things I've Done (Part 1) I have emptied the cup that overflowes, From the garden clipped the finest rose... Interrupted the poet with my praise, Smothered butterflies - Then pinned them in collector's trays... Made the silent initiate shout in frustration, Brought a child to tears with my intonation... These Things I've Done (Part ll) I have drunk the last of the rationed water; And struck the last match to light a cigar; Thrown the baby out with the bath; And didn't bother to check my math... I didn't look - I just leapt, And just like Sagittarius - Aiming right, looking left - Gazed at stars, at the mercy of puddles: Deep in quicksand, I struggled... These Things I've Done (Part lll) I've accepted the fact that einmal ist keinmal, And disregarded the family motto: Did the things that one ought not to: Again, once more, y a infinito... "Yes, I've done these things," said I. "Well - you should be an addict - why! - "At the very least, dead! "None should bear those things you carry..." or, So the doctor said.””
About This Quote
Source Poem: These Things I've Done (Part 1‑3), 2023
The speaker recounts destructive, reckless acts, reflecting on nihilism, self‑destruction, and the search for meaning amid chaos.
In simple terms: A chaotic confession of harmful deeds and existential searching.
Key Takeaway
Question the purpose of destructive behavior.
Themes
nihilism
self‑destruction
confession
Mood
guilt
defiance
absurdity
Type
poetic
confessional
When to use this quote
- personal turmoil
- creative process
Key Concepts
existential crisis
addiction
artistic expression
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do you repeat harmful patterns?
- What does “y a infinito” suggest about endless cycles?
A Different Perspective
Unexamined actions can perpetuate harm.
