A ship's engine far away on the water expands the summer-night horizon. Both joy and sorrow swell in the dew's magnifying glass. Without really knowing, we divine; our life has a sister ship, following quietly another route. While the sun blazes behind the islands.
I am carried in my shadow like a violin in its black case
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote expresses a deep connection between the individual and their personal experiences, much like an instrument held within its protective case.
Tomas Transtromer's quote suggests that one carries their essence and personal history within themselves, akin to how a violin is safely kept in its case. The imagery reveals a profound relationship between one's identity and experiences, encapsulating both beauty and concealment. Just as a violin's sound is personal and intrinsic, so too is the shadow that reflects one's life journey and depth.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about personal growth, one might say, 'As Tomas Transtromer once expressed, I am carried in my shadow like a violin in its black case.'
More from Tomas Transtromer
All quotes →It's always so early in here, before the crossroads, before the irrevocable choices. Thank you for this life! Still I miss the alternatives. The sketches, all of them, want to become real.
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