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About this quote

What does it mean?
A single red leaf hangs high in the air with little wind to move it.
In plain terms
One last leaf hangs alone in the sky.
What can you take from it?
Solitude and resilience are shown in small natural details.

Where it applies

  • winter reflection
  • nature observation
  • personal struggle

Putting it to work

  • journaling
  • nature photography
  • meditation

Questions to consider

  • When do you feel like the last leaf?
  • What keeps you holding on?

Another view

The metaphor is subtle and may be missed by casual readers.

More from Samuel Taylor Coleridge

  1. Sir Leoline, the Baron rich, Hath a toothless mastiff bitch.

    Permalink to quote #85
  2. Her gentle limbs did she undress, And lay down in her loveliness.

    Permalink to quote #87
  3. A damsel with a dulcimer In a vision once I saw: It was an Abyssinian maid, And on her dulcimer she played, Singing of Mount Abora. Could I revive within me He…

    Permalink to quote #84

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