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About this quote

What does it mean?
The boy stays waiting for a father who has already died.
In plain terms
He would not leave without his father's word, though the father died.
What can you take from it?
Loyalty can persist even after the loved one is gone.

Where it applies

  • loss
  • family
  • duty

Putting it to work

  • honor commitments
  • respect ties

Questions to consider

  • What binds us to the dead?
  • How to honor loss?

Another view

Waiting for the dead can prevent necessary action.

More from Felicia Hemans

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