I can't imagine ever writing anything of any kind on a machine. I never tried to write either poetry or prose on a typewriter. I like to do it on useless paper, scrap paper, because it's of no importance.
W. S. MerwinRead
I say to my breath once again, little breath come from in front of me, go away behind me, row me quietly now, as far as you can, for I am an abyss that I am trying to cross.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote explores the struggle of navigating through deep emotional or existential challenges.
W. S. Merwin's quote speaks to the profound journey of confronting one's own inner depths and the emotional weight one carries. The imagery of breathing and rowing suggests a need for calm and direction as one attempts to traverse the abyss of their thoughts and feelings, emphasizing the importance of finding peace and purpose amidst turmoil.
Themes
BreathAbyssCrossingStruggleExistence
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used during a meditation session to emphasize the importance of breathing through challenges.
More from W. S. Merwin
All quotes →I think there's a kind of desperate hope built into poetry that one really wants, hopelessly, to save the world. One is trying to say everything that can be said for the things that one loves while there's still time.
W. S. MerwinRead
The kind of writing that matters most to me is something you don't learn about. It's constantly coming out of what I don't know rather than what I do know.
W. S. MerwinRead
Through all of youth I was looking for you_x000D_ without knowing what I was looking for_x000D_ part memory part distance remaining _x000D_ mine in the ways that I learn to miss you_x000D_ from what we cannot hold the stars are made.
W. S. MerwinRead
What I really believe is the only hopeful relation between our life and the whole of life is one of reverence and respect and of feeling at one with it. The other attitude which is the one our society is based on is devastating and it is killing the earth and it is killing us too.
W. S. MerwinRead
I go five steps in the garden, and I immediately lose track of time... it is a kind of joy in being alive in being in the world. I always found that in the garden. That is what it means to me.
W. S. MerwinRead
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