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About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker reflects on autumn's lights, moonlit sails, and the futility of human effort, ending with a lament of lost love.
In plain terms
He ponders autumn and life's vanity, mourning a love that won't return.
What can you take from it?
Recognize life's fleeting nature and cherish love while it lasts.

Where it applies

  • contemplating nature
  • processing grief

Putting it to work

  • write reflective poetry
  • meditate on impermanence

Questions to consider

  • How does nature mirror human emotions?
  • What can be learned from accepting life's impermanence?

Another view

The tone may be overly pessimistic for some readers.

More from Andrew Lang

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  2. There's a joy without canker or cark, There's a pleasure eternally new, 'T is to gloat on the glaze and the mark Of china that's ancient and blue.

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