A tear that trembles for a little while Upon the trembling eyelid, till the world Wavers within its circle like a dream, Holds more of meaning in its narrow orb Than all the distant landscape that it blurs.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- A single tear reveals more profound emotion and meaning than the vast physical world it momentarily obscures.
- In plain terms
- One tear holds deeper meaning than the whole view it blurs.
- What can you take from it?
- Small human emotions often outweigh large external realities in significance.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What small sign reveals the most about your feelings?
- How does emotion alter your view of the world?
Another view
It assumes the viewer prioritizes internal states over external observation.
More from Henry van Dyke
So in the heart, When, fading slowly down the past, Fond memories depart, And each that leaves it seems the last; Long after all the rest are flown, Returns a …
Permalink to quote #1 And so, by night, while we were all at rest, I think the coming sped the parting guest.
Permalink to quote #3 What we do belongs to what we are; and what we are is what becomes of us.
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