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About this quote

What does it mean?
Even if I live a long life, I will end like a lonely crow returning to its cold roost.
In plain terms
A long life may end in solitary, cold return.
What can you take from it?
Longevity does not guarantee warmth or companionship.

Where it applies

  • retirement
  • old age

Putting it to work

  • seek community early
  • stay connected

Questions to consider

  • What does a 'cold roost' mean to you?
  • How can you avoid solitude?

Another view

Some find community in old age.

More from Alfred (Lord) Tennyson

  1. He will hold thee, when his passion shall have spent its novel force, Something better than his dog, a little dearer than his horse.

    Permalink to quote #92
  2. I remember one that perish'd: sweetly did she speak and move: Such a one do I remember, whom to look at was to love.

    Permalink to quote #94
  3. In the Spring a livelier iris changes on the burnish'd dove; In the Spring a young man's fancy lightly turns to thoughts of love.

    Permalink to quote #91

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