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Walter De La Mare Quotes

Powerful Walter De La Mare for Daily Growth

About Walter De La Mare

Walter de la Mare (1873-1956) was an influential English poet, short story writer, and novelist, known for his evocative use of language and supernatural themes. Born on October 10, 1873, in Kentish Town, London, he was the youngest of six children. His father was a successful businessman who owned a firm manufacturing patent leather, while his mother was a talented musician and singer. De la Mare's early education was at home, with tutors, as he was frail and sensitive to the cold. This isolation may have contributed to his vivid imagination and love for storytelling. He later attended the City of London School but left without taking any formal examinations due to health issues. In 1895, de la Mare published his first poem, "The Listeners," in the magazine Merry England. This work, with its haunting and evocative imagery, became one of his most famous pieces. He continued to write poetry, short stories, and novels throughout his life, with notable works including "From Morning to Midnight" (1916), a collection of poems; "Peacock Pie" (1913), a collection of supernatural tales; and "Memoirs of a Midget" (1924), a novel about an unusual protagonist. De la Mare's work was greatly influenced by his love for music, folklore, and the mysterious. He was also deeply affected by the changes brought about by urbanization and industrialization in England during his lifetime. His writing often explored themes of loss, solitude, and the mysteries of life, earning him a reputation as one of the most significant English poets of the 20th century. Walter de la Mare died on July 6, 1956, in Wimbledon, London. His work continues to be celebrated for its originality, beauty, and enduring appeal.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"For there is always music amongst the trees,

This quote by Walter De La Mare suggests a deep, poetic connection between nature and music. The "music" in this context refers not only to audible melodies but also the harmony, rhythm, and beauty that one can find amidst trees, symbolizing the inherent tranquility, serenity, and life force present in nature. It's a reminder that even when we don't hear music explicitly, the natural world around us holds its own unique, soothing symphony, inviting us to appreciate and be in tune with it.

In the garden, or at one's door,

The quote by Walter De La Mare, "In the garden, or at one's door," implies a sense of tranquility, intimacy, and connection with nature. It suggests that peace, beauty, and mystery can be found in simple, everyday places like one's home and garden, offering an opportunity for reflection, introspection, and appreciation of the natural world.

Or at a window-pane which the rain-drops greet."

This quote by Walter De La Mare implies a moment of tranquility or contemplation, possibly during a rainy day. The image of the window-pane symbolizes a barrier between the inner self and the outside world, while the "rain-drops" represent nature's soothing and gentle intrusion. It suggests an opportunity for introspection and connection with the natural environment, as well as a reminder of the beauty that can be found even in simple, everyday moments.

"When bees are flying, when birds are singing, When morning glories spread out their throats,"

This quote by Walter de la Mare evokes a sense of natural beauty, tranquility, and the rhythmic flow of life. The mention of bees flying suggests a scene of busy activity, possibly signifying industry or productivity. Birds singing typically symbolize harmony, joy, and peacefulness in nature. Lastly, morning glories spreading out their throats is a vivid image of blooming and opening up to the world, which could represent vulnerability, growth, or expansion. Overall, this quote is about appreciating the simple, everyday wonders found in nature and experiencing life's moments with wonder and peace.

"The listening class is full of expectation, And the teacher, standing on the verge of things, Sees visions in the dark."

This quote by Walter De La Mare suggests a classroom filled with students eager to learn and open to new ideas (the "listening class"). The teacher, as the guide, stands at the threshold of knowledge (the "verge of things"), able to perceive more than what is immediately visible or tangible due to their role in imparting wisdom. This perception extends beyond the physical realm, into the realms of thought and imagination, as they "see visions in the dark" - metaphorically referring to their ability to envision potential outcomes, insights, and ideas that may not be immediately apparent to others.

"For each hath left his little world behind, And knows not whence he comes, or whither he shall go."

This quote suggests a profound sense of human mystery and transience. It implies that every individual has a unique personal existence (their "little world") which they leave behind upon venturing into the larger world. The unknown origin (not knowing whence they come) and destination (not knowing whither they shall go) highlight the uncertainty and enigma of human existence, emphasizing our collective sense of wandering and seeking meaning in life.

"O Soul, O Soul, where art thou going? Are you weary of the journeying? Will you rest awhile?"

This quote by Walter de la Mare is an introspective call to the human spirit or soul, encouraging it to pause and reflect on its current journey through life. The question "Where art thou going?" suggests a path of self-discovery, growth, or purpose, while "Will you rest awhile?" signifies a moment for respite, contemplation, or rejuvenation amidst the weariness that may come from the journey. Overall, it's an invitation to mindfully consider one's direction and wellbeing in life's journey.

All day long the door of the sub-conscious remains just ajar; we slip through to the other side, and return again, as easily and secretly as a cat.

- Walter de La Mare

Door, Through, Other, Slip

A lost but happy dream may shed its light upon our waking hours, and the whole day may be infected with the gloom of a dreary or sorrowful one; yet of neither may we be able to recover a trace.

- Walter de La Mare

Hours, Infected, Shed, Dreary

Too late for fruit, too soon for flowers.

- Walter de La Mare

Flowers, Too Late, Too, Late

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