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I like to think that when I fall, A rain-drop in Death's shoreless sea, This shelf of books along the wall, Beside my bed, will mourn for me.
Robert W. Service
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote reflects on mortality and the legacy of knowledge left behind after death.

In this quote, Robert W. Service contemplates the nature of life and death, expressing a hope that his collection of books will serve as a testament to his existence after he passes away. The imagery of falling like a raindrop into the vast sea of death symbolizes the smallness of individual lives in the grand scheme of the universe, and the books represent the knowledge and experiences that continue to resonate even after one's physical presence is gone.

Themes

DeathLegacyBooksMortalityMemory

In practice

Example use cases

A eulogy reflecting on a person's love for literature.

More from Robert W. Service

Be sure your wisest words are those you do not say.
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It's the steady, quiet, plodding ones who win in the lifelong race.
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The happy man is he who knows his limitations, yet bows to no false gods.
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Ah! the clock is always slow; it is later than you think.
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Our breath is brief, and being so Let's make our heaven here below, And lavish kindness as we go.
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Be master of your petty annoyances and conserve your energies for the big, worthwhile things. It isn't the mountain ahead that wears you out - it's the grain of sand in your shoe.
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