“We have a soul at times.No one’s got it non-stop,for keeps.Day after day,year after yearmay pass without it.Sometimesit will settle for awhileonly in childhood’s fears and raptures.Sometimes only in astonishmentthat we are old.It rarely lends a handin uphill tasks,like moving furniture,or lifting luggage,or going miles in shoes that pinch.It usually steps outwhenever meat needs choppingor forms have to be filled.For every thousand conversationsit participates in one,if even that,since it prefers silence.Just when our body goes from ache to pain,it slips off-duty.It’s picky:it doesn’t like seeing us in crowds,our hustling for a dubious advantageand creaky machinations make it sick.Joy and sorrowaren’t two different feelings for it.It attends usonly when the two are joined.We can count on itwhen we’re sure of nothingand curious about everything.Among the material objectsit favors clocks with pendulumsand mirrors, which keep on workingeven when no one is looking.It won’t say where it comes fromor when it’s taking off again,though it’s clearly expecting such questions.We need itbut apparentlyit needs usfor some reason too.”
Quote Analysis
In this quote by Wisława Szymborska, the idea of the soul is explored in a unique and introspective way. The poet describes the soul as a fickle and elusive entity that is not always present in our day-to-day lives. The soul, according to Szymborska, is not constantly within us but rather comes and goes as it pleases. It is selective in the moments it chooses to be present, often making itself known in times of childhood innocence or old age reflection. The soul is depicted as a silent observer, only truly engaging with us in moments of profound emotion or uncertainty. Despite its mysterious nature, the poet suggests that both the soul and ourselves have a mutual need for each other, hinting at a deeper connection between our physical and spiritual selves.
The Eternal Mystery of the Soul
In this poem by Wisława Szymborska, the concept of the soul is explored in a modern context, highlighting its elusive and transient nature. Despite the advancement of science and technology, the soul remains a mysterious element of human existence, providing a sense of depth and meaning to our lives. This introspective piece encourages us to contemplate the significance of our souls in a world that often prioritizes material pursuits.
Poetic Reflection on the Soul
In this excerpt from Wisława Szymborska's poem, the concept of the soul is explored in a unique and thought-provoking way. The soul is portrayed as a mysterious and elusive entity that comes and goes as it pleases, rarely showing itself in mundane tasks but making its presence known in moments of profound emotion and uncertainty. Szymborska's lyricism and insight offer a fresh perspective on the nature of the soul and its relationship to our daily lives.
"We have a soul at times.
No one’s got it non-stop,
for keeps.
Day after day, year after year
may pass without it.
Sometimes
it will settle for a while
only in childhood’s fears and raptures..."
Throughout the poem, Szymborska captures the essence of the soul as both essential to our existence and enigmatic in its ways.
Reflection Questions
In this thought-provoking poem by Wisława Szymborska, she explores the concept of the soul and its elusive nature. Below are some reflection questions to ponder upon after reading the poem:
- How do you personally interpret the idea of the soul as presented in the poem?
- Do you believe that the soul plays an active role in our daily lives, as suggested in the poem, or do you view it differently?
- What significance do you think the poet attributes to the soul preferring silence and solitude?
- How does the poem challenge or reinforce your own beliefs about the soul and its connection to the human experience?
- Reflect on the final lines of the poem: "We need it, but apparently it needs us for some reason too." What do you think the poet is trying to convey with this statement?
- How does this poem make you rethink your relationship with your own soul and its place in your life?
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