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About this quote

What does it mean?
The lines describe life force persisting even when something seems dead or trapped. It suggests that vitality creates a tension where the living are bound to the dying.
In plain terms
Life energy continues even when the body seems still.
What can you take from it?
Vitality often binds the living to the dead or still.

Where it applies

  • funeral reflection
  • nature observation
  • existential thought

Putting it to work

  • Observe life cycles
  • Respect persistence
  • Accept tension

Questions to consider

  • Where does life linger?
  • How does death affect life?

Another view

The imagery is abstract and might not fit all contexts.

More from Allen Tate

  1. What is the flesh and blood compounded of But a few moments in the life of time? This prowling of the cells, litigious love, Wears the long claw of flesh-argui…

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  2. Now remember courage, go to the door, Open it and see whether coiled on the bed Or cringing by the wall, a savage beast Maybe with golden hair, with deep eyes …

    Permalink to quote #3

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