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W. S. Merwin Quotes

Powerful W. S. Merwin for Daily Growth

About W. S. Merwin

Walter Scott Merwin, commonly known as W.S. Merwin, was an American poet, translator, and environmental activist who made profound contributions to literature during his illustrious career spanning more than six decades. Born on September 30, 1927, in Union City, New Jersey, Merwin developed a love for language and nature from an early age. His literary journey began at Princeton University where he studied under renowned poets such as John Berryman and Allen Tate. In 1951, Merwin published his first collection of poetry, "A Mask for Janus," which garnered critical acclaim and established him as a significant voice in American literature. Influenced by the Beat Generation, Merwin moved to Hawaii in 1951, where he lived for over five decades. The island's lush landscapes and vibrant culture deeply influenced his later works, particularly his "Migration" series (1967-2005). This collection explores themes of mortality, renewal, and the interconnectedness of all living beings, reflecting Merwin's growing concern for environmental issues. Merwin was also a prolific translator, bringing works by Spanish, French, Latin American, and Native American authors to English-speaking audiences. Some of his notable translations include the complete works of Guillaume Apollinaire, "The Odes" of Pindar, and "Selected Poems" by Stéphane Mallarmé. Throughout his life, Merwin received numerous honors, including two Pulitzer Prizes: for "The Carrier of Ladders" in 1971 and for "Migration: New and Selected Poems" in 2009. He was also awarded the National Book Award, the Bollingen Prize, and a Guggenheim Fellowship. W.S. Merwin passed away on March 15, 2019, leaving behind a rich legacy of poetry that continues to inspire readers and writers alike. His commitment to environmental activism serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility to preserve and protect the natural world.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The soul's memory is longer than the mind."

This quote suggests that our soul, a deeper and more profound aspect of ourselves, retains memories that are older, more enduring, and perhaps less susceptible to loss or forgetting compared to our conscious mind. These memories may consist of innate wisdom, emotional responses, spiritual connections, or even ancestral knowledge that has been carried through generations. The soul's memory is a reservoir of experiences that continue to shape our thoughts, feelings, and actions long after our immediate consciousness has forgotten or moved on.

"What I have learned is that it is a waste of time to be waiting for tomorrow."

This quote by W.S. Merwin emphasizes the importance of living in the present moment, rather than dwelling on future possibilities or fears. It suggests that time spent anticipating tomorrow, instead of actively engaging with today, is wasted time. The implication is that we should make the most of each day and not procrastinate our lives, dreams, or actions due to uncertainty about the future.

"For once we were surrounded by words and their echoes, but now there are only words."

This quote suggests that language, with its richness and depth (words and their echoes), was once a primary means of connecting with the environment or experience (being surrounded). However, in the current context, there's just an emptiness left behind by those words, implying a disconnection or loss of deeper meaning. It could be interpreted as a commentary on the modern world where words and language have been overused to the point of losing their original essence.

"I lived in my mind in the forest."

This quote by W.S. Merwin suggests that he found solace, peace, and inspiration in nature; his thoughts, experiences, and existence were deeply intertwined with the natural world. He metaphorically "lived" within the forest not just physically, but also mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. This indicates a strong connection to nature, where his mind was nurtured and he found a profound sense of harmony and fulfillment.

"In the dark of the year I remember your eyes in the dark of the year."

This quote by W.S. Merwin expresses a sense of longing or nostalgia for a past moment, particularly during a time when light is scarce (the "dark of the year"). The remembered eyes are likely those of someone dear who is no longer present, with the speaker finding solace and connection in the shared darkness, implying that even in the gloomiest times, memories can bring warmth and intimacy.

Poetry is like making a joke. If you get one word wrong at the end of a joke, you've lost the whole thing.

- W. S. Merwin

Making, Like, Whole, Joke

We are asleep with compasses in our hands.

- W. S. Merwin

Hands, Our, Asleep

Now all my teachers are dead except silence.

- W. S. Merwin

Dead, Now, Except, Teachers

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