I, too, often shrivel the grey shreds, Sniff them and think and sniff again and try Once more to think what it is I am remembering, Always in vain. I cannot like the scent, Yet I would rather give up others more sweet, With no meaning, than this bitter one.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker smells old grey shreds and tries to remember what they mean but fails, preferring this bitter scent to sweet empty ones.
- In plain terms
- He smells something old and tries to remember its meaning but fails, yet prefers it to meaningless sweet scents.
- What can you take from it?
- Even painful memories are valued over meaningless pleasant ones.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What scent reminds you of a lost time?
- Why do you hold onto painful memories?
Another view
It romanticizes suffering by suggesting bitter memories are inherently more valuable.
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