Alas, how easily things go wrong! A sigh too much, a kiss too long And there follows a mist and a weeping rain And life is never the same again
George MacdonaldRead
When I can no more stir my soul to move, and life is but the ashes of a fire; when I can but remember that my heart once used to live and love, long and aspire- O, be thou then the first, the one thou art; be thou the calling, before all answering love, and in me wake hope, fear, boundless desire.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects the depth of longing for love and hope, even in times of despair.
In this poignant expression by George Macdonald, the speaker conveys a profound yearning for emotional connection and inspiration amidst feelings of emptiness. The imagery of life being reduced to 'ashes of a fire' symbolizes the loss of vitality and passion, while evoking a call for a rekindling of hope and love, suggesting that even in our darkest moments, one can aspire towards desire and rejuvenation through connection with others.
Themes
LoveHopeDesireInspirationLifeLonging
In practice
Example use cases
This quote would resonate well in a speech about overcoming adversity through love.
More from George Macdonald
All quotes →It is not in the nature of politics that the best men should be elected. The best men do not want to govern their fellowmen.
George MacdonaldRead
He may delay because it would not be safe to give us at once what we ask: we are not ready for it. To give ere we could truly receive, would be to destroy the very heart and hope of prayer, to cease to be our Father. The delay itself may work to bring us nearer to our help, to increase the desire, perfect the prayer, and ripen the receptive condition.
George MacdonaldRead
But words are vain; reject them all— They utter but a feeble part: Hear thou the depths from which they call, The voiceless longing of my heart.
George MacdonaldRead
Few delights can equal the presence of one whom we trust utterly.
George MacdonaldRead
What distressed me most - more even than my own folly - was the perplexing question - How can beauty and ugliness dwell so near? Even with her altered complexion and face of dislike; disenchanted of the belief that clung around her; known for a living, walking sepulcher, faithless, deluding, traitorous; I felt, notwithstanding all this, that she was beautiful. Upon this I pondered with undiminished perplexity.
George MacdonaldRead
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