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About this quote

What does it mean?
He is absent, yet we share a sensory experience of winter or spring; his presence feels overwhelming and hard to bear.
In plain terms
Shared sensations can feel too intense when missing someone.
What can you take from it?
Recognize that shared moments can amplify feelings of loss.

Where it applies

  • grief counseling
  • poetry
  • memory sharing

Putting it to work

  • acknowledge shared moments
  • set emotional boundaries

Questions to consider

  • How does shared environment affect grief?
  • When can it be healing rather than overwhelming?

Another view

Sometimes shared experiences can also bring comfort.

More from Gwendolyn Brooks

  1. To be in love Is to touch with a lighter hand. In yourself you stretch, you are well.

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  2. I shall not sing a May song. A May song should be gay. I'll wait until November And sing a song of gray.

    Permalink to quote #13
  3. I am a writer perhaps because I am not a talker.

    Permalink to quote #10

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