Poetry is a street fighter. It has sharp elbows. It can look after itself. Poetry can't be used for manipulation; it's why you never see good poetry in advertising.
David WhyteRead
Desire demands only a constant attention to the unknown gravitational field which surrounds us and from which we can recharge ourselves every moment, as if breathing from the atmosphere of possibility itself. A life’s work is not a series of stepping-stones onto which we calmly place our feet, but more like an ocean crossing where there is no path, only a heading, a direction, which, of itself, is in conversation with the elements.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Desire fuels our potential and creativity, guiding us through life's uncertainties.
David Whyte's quote illustrates the idea that desire is a powerful force that requires our attention and focus on the possibilities around us. It suggests that life is not simply a straightforward journey with clear steps, but rather a complex navigation through the unknown, where our aspirations and direction interact with the challenges of existence, much like sailing an ocean without a defined path but with a sense of purpose and intention.
Themes
DesirePossibilityDestinationJourneyLifeDirectionUncertainty
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about following one's dreams.
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