We lie in each other's arms eyes shut and fingers open and all the colors of the world pass through our bodies like strings of fire.
Marge PiercyRead
Every baby born_x000D_ unloved, unwanted, is a bill that will come_x000D_ due in twenty years with interest, an anger_x000D_ that must find a target, a pain that will_x000D_ beget pain. A decade downstream a child_x000D_ screams, a woman falls, a synagogue is torched,_x000D_ a firing squad is summoned, a button_x000D_ is pushed and the world burns.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the ramifications of neglecting love and care for children, indicating that such neglect can lead to societal violence and chaos in the future.
Marge Piercy's quote illustrates the profound impact of emotional neglect on individuals and society as a whole. She suggests that every child born without love and support carries potential anger and pain that, if unaddressed, can ultimately manifest in destructive ways. The imagery of a future filled with violence and tragedy serves as a cautionary reminder about the importance of nurturing the next generation to prevent a cycle of suffering and retaliation. The quote frames the consequences of unloved children not just as personal issues, but as societal problems that can spiral out of control, impacting everyone.
Themes
NeglectPainAngerLoveChildrenViolenceSociety
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about community responsibility, one could quote this to underscore the importance of supporting families.
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