When a daffadill I see, Hanging down his head towards me, Guess I may, what I must be: First, I shall decline my head; Secondly, I shall be dead: Lastly, safely buryed.
Interpretation
This quote reflects on the inevitability of death and the natural cycle of life.
Robert Herrick's quote uses the imagery of a daffodil to symbolize the connection between life and death. The poem suggests that when one observes the daffodil bowing its head, it serves as a reminder of their own mortality, leading to a reflective state where the speaker acknowledges their eventual decline and the natural conclusion of life, culminating in burial. The quote prompts contemplation about the transient nature of existence and the acceptance of death as part of life.
In practice
In a eulogy, one might use this quote to illustrate the beauty and transience of life.
I dare not ask a kiss;_x000D_ _x000D_ I dare not beg a smile;_x000D_ _x000D_ Lest having that or this,_x000D_ _x000D_ I might grow proud the while._x000D_ _x000D_ No, no, the utmost share_x000D_ _x000D_ Of my desire shall be_x000D_ _x000D_ Only to kiss that air,_x000D_ _x000D_ That lately kissed thee.
Lord, 'tis Thy plenty-dropping hand_x000D_ _x000D_ That soils my land, _x000D_ _x000D_ And giv'st me for my bushel sowne_x000D_ _x000D_ Twice ten for one. _x000D_ _x000D_ All this, and better, Thou dost send_x000D_ _x000D_ Me, to this end, _x000D_ _x000D_ That I should render, for my part, _x000D_ _x000D_ A thankful heart.
Tears are the noble language of the eye.
The May-pole is up,_x000D_ _x000D_ Now give me the cup;_x000D_ _x000D_ I'll drink to the garlands around it;_x000D_ _x000D_ But first unto those_x000D_ _x000D_ Whose hands did compose_x000D_ _x000D_ The glory of flowers that crown'd it.
Drink wine, and live here blitheful while ye may;_x000D_ _x000D_ The morrow's life too late is; live to-day.
You say to me-wards your affection's strong;_x000D_ _x000D_ Pray love me little, so you love me long.
If you look throughout human history ... the central epiphany of every religious tradition always occurs in the wilderness.
As there is a use in medicine for poisons, so the world cannot move without rogues.
One of our worst traits in journalism is that when we have a narrative in our minds, we often plug in anecdotes that confirm it. Thus we managed to portray President Gerald Ford, a first-rate athlete, as a klutz.
Not everything that steps out of line, and thus "abnormal", must necessarily be "inferior".
For it is often the way we look at other people that imprisons them within their own narrowest allegiances. And it is also the way we look at them that may set them free.
Although sometimes the morbid is also the transcendent, the transcendent cannot be reduced to the morbid.
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