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About this quote

What does it mean?
A final kiss ends the connection and takes away both souls.
In plain terms
This last kiss pulls out our souls and leaves us gone.
What can you take from it?
Saying goodbye takes life from both lovers.

Where it applies

  • breakups
  • goodbyes
  • mourning

Putting it to work

  • processing grief
  • writing farewells

Questions to consider

  • When does a goodbye feel like death?
  • How do we leave parts of ourselves?

Another view

It dramatizes parting as literal death.

More from John Donne

  1. Ah cannot we As well as cocks and lions jocund be, After such pleasures?

    Permalink to quote #42
  2. Take heed of loving me.

    Permalink to quote #40
  3. Sir, more than kisses, letters mingle souls; For, thus friends absent speak.

    Permalink to quote #43

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