“The Thing Isto love life, to love it even when you have no stomach for it and everything you've held dear crumbles like burnt paper in your hands, your throat filled with the slit of it. When grief sits with you, its tropical heat thickening the air, heavy as water more fit for gills than lungs; when grief weights you like your own flesh only more of it, an obesity of grief, you think , how can a body withstand this? Then you hold like life a face between your palms, a plain face, no charming smile, no violet eyes, and you say, yes, I will take you I will love you, againEllen Bass”
Explore This Quote Further
Usage Example
"The power of love and resilience shines through in this quote by Ellen Bass, as beautifully highlighted by Bonnie Shimko. The message of embracing life and love, even in the midst of deep grief and despair, is truly inspiring."
Quote Analysis
In this quote by Ellen Bass, the speaker reflects on the experience of facing immense grief and loss in life. The imagery used in the passage is vivid, with descriptions of grief as a heavy, suffocating presence. Despite the overwhelming weight of grief, the speaker finds solace in the idea of loving life, even when it seems unbearable. The act of choosing to love life, even in the face of hardship, is portrayed as an act of resilience and determination. This quote emphasizes the capacity for love and strength within individuals, even in the midst of profound pain and loss.
Modern Relevance of Ellen Bass' Poem
In today's fast-paced and often tumultuous world, the message conveyed in Ellen Bass' poem continues to resonate with many individuals. The idea of loving life even in the face of overwhelming grief and challenges is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of finding beauty and love even in the darkest of times.
Reflection Questions:
In this powerful quote by Ellen Bass, we are reminded of the importance of loving life even in the face of immense grief and challenges. Reflecting on this quote can help us explore our own capacity for resilience and love in difficult circumstances. Here are some questions to consider:
- How do you interpret the idea of loving life even when faced with grief and loss?
- Have you ever experienced a situation where everything seemed to be falling apart? How did you cope with it, and did you find moments of love and beauty?
- What does it mean to "hold like life a face between your palms" and make a conscious choice to continue loving and embracing life, despite hardships?
- How can practicing gratitude and mindfulness help us find moments of joy and love, even in the midst of grief and challenges?
- In what ways can we support and show love to others who may be struggling with their own "obesity of grief"?
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