I sleep with a glass of water on the nightstand so I can see by its level if the coastal earth is trembling or if the shaking is still me.
Interpretation
This quote reflects a deep awareness of one's environment and emotional state, using the glass of water as a metaphor for sensitivity to both nature and personal turmoil.
In this quote, Amy Hempel expresses a profound connection between the physical world and her internal feelings. The glass of water symbolizes clarity and perception; its level indicates either the tremors of the earth or the disturbances within her own mind. This interplay suggests how our emotional states can be intertwined with external realities, prompting introspection about the nature of one's existence and the duality of perception.
In practice
This quote can be used in a discussion about mindfulness and awareness of one's surroundings.
Then the children went to bed, or at least went upstairs, and the men joined the women for a cigarette on the porch, absently picking ticks engorged like grapes off the sleeping dogs. And when the men kissed the women good night, and their weekend whiskers scratched the women's cheeks, the women did not think shave, they thought stay.
I do feel that if you can write one good sentence and then another good sentence and then another, you end up with a good story.
if it's true your life flashes past your eyes before you die, then it is also the truth that your life rushes forth when you are ready to start to truly be alive.
Remarkably, governments are beginning to embrace the idea that nothing enhances democracy more than giving voice and information to everybody in the country. Why not open their books if they have nothing to hide?
True religion comes not front the teaching of men or the reading of books; it is the awakening of the spirit within us, consequent upon pure and heroic action.
We need not fear life, because God is the Ruler of all and we need not fear death, because He shares immortality with us.
Black is real sensation, even if it is produced by entire absence of light. The sensation of black is distinctly different from the lack of all sensations.
Come, Friend, you too must die. Why moan about it so? Even Patroclus died, a far, far better man than you. And look, you see how handsome and powerful I am? The son of a great man, the mother who gave me life-- A deathless goddess. But even for me, I tell you, Death and the strong force of fate are waiting. There will come a dawn or sunset or high noon When a man will take my life in battle too-- flinging a spear perhaps Or whipping a deadly arrow off his bow.
It was by one Union that we achieved our independence and liberties, and by it alone can they be maintained.
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