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About this quote

What does it mean?
Parting from a loved one feels like dying briefly until meeting again.
In plain terms
Separation from you feels like death.
What can you take from it?
Time apart feels painful to lovers.

Where it applies

  • missing someone
  • dealing with goodbye
  • feeling pain

Putting it to work

  • writing letters
  • meeting up soon
  • expressing feelings

Questions to consider

  • Does distance hurt this much?
  • Why does love feel like life?

Another view

Equating separation with death may be too extreme.

More from John Donne

  1. But think that we Are but turned aside to sleep.

    Permalink to quote #20
  2. Oh do not die, for I shall hate All women so, when thou art gone.

    Permalink to quote #22
  3. Yesternight the sun went hence, And yet is here today.

    Permalink to quote #19

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