The bees came booming as if they had never gone, As if hyacinths had never gone. We say This changes and that changes. Thus the constant Violets, doves, girls, bees and hyacinths Are inconstant objects of inconstant cause In a universe of inconstancy. This means Night-blue is an inconstant thing. The seraph Is satyr in Saturn, according to his thoughts.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Stevens suggests that while we claim things change, the core elements of nature remain constant yet are perceived as inconstant due to our own shifting perspectives.
- In plain terms
- We think things change, but nature stays the same; our minds make them seem unstable.
- What can you take from it?
- Perception creates the illusion of change in a stable world.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How much of change is real versus perceived?
- What stays constant in your life?
Another view
It oversimplifies the genuine physical changes that occur in nature.
More from Wallace Stevens
The old seraph, parcel-gilded, among violets Inhaled the appointed odor, while the doves Rose up like phantoms from chronologies.
Permalink to quote #122 The President ordains the bee to be Immortal. The President ordains.
Permalink to quote #124 It is of him, ephebe, to make, to confect The final elegance, not to console Nor sanctify, but plainly to propound.
Permalink to quote #121
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