With a sudden sharp hot stink of fox, It enters the dark hole of the head. The window is starless still; the clock ticks, The page is printed.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The poem describes a moment of intense creativity or inspiration striking the mind like a sudden animal presence.
- In plain terms
- A powerful idea enters the mind suddenly and vividly.
- What can you take from it?
- Inspiration can strike unexpectedly and feel alive.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When did you feel a sudden idea?
- How does inspiration feel to you?
Another view
The metaphor relies on interpreting animal behavior as mental states.
More from Ted Hughes
Cold, delicately as the dark snow, A fox's nose touches twig, leaf; Two eyes serve a movement, that now And again now, and now, and now Sets neat prints into t…
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Permalink to quote #3 The jaws' hooked clamp and fangs Not to be changed at this date; A life subdued to its instrument.
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