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somewhere i have never travelled,gladly beyond any experience, your eyes have their silence. in your most frail gesture are things which enclose me, or which i cannot touch because they are too near your slightest look easily will unclose me though i have closed myself as fingers, you always open petal by petal myself as Spring opens (touching skilfully,mysteriously)her first rose nothing that we are to perceive in this world equals the power of your intense fragility: (i do not know what it is about you that closes and opens;only something in me understands the voice of your eyes is deeper than all roses) nobody,not even the rain,has such small hands

E. E. Cummings#5

LoveNatureEmotionPowerChangeFragilityIntimacyVulnerability

About this quote

What does it mean?
Love opens the closed self through delicate touch. This fragility holds more power than any observable force.
In plain terms
A loved one's gentle presence can change you deeply.
What can you take from it?
Embrace vulnerability as a source of strength.

Where it applies

  • romantic relationships
  • emotional growth
  • artistic inspiration

Putting it to work

  • open up to others
  • value small gestures
  • accept change

Questions to consider

  • When did you feel changed by love?
  • What fragile things hold power for you?

Another view

The sentiment is romantic and subjective.

More from E. E. Cummings

  1. So, ungentle reader, (as you and I value what we should ashamed-after witnessing a few minor circus-marvels-to call our 'lives,') let us never be fooled into t…

    Permalink to quote #4
  2. My theory of technique, if I have one, is very far from original; nor is it complicated. I can express it in fifteen words, by quoting The Eternal Question And…

    Permalink to quote #6
  3. it's spring when the world is puddle-wonderful

    Permalink to quote #3

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