I lie in the dark wondering if this quiet in me now is a beginning or an end.

I lie in the dark wondering if this quiet in me now is a beginning or an end.

📖 Jack Gilbert

🌍 American  |  👨‍💼 Poet

🎂 February 18, 1925  –  ⚰️ November 13, 2012
(0 Reviews)

This profound quote captures a moment of introspection and inner quietness that many of us can relate to during times of transition or self-reflection. Lying in the dark symbolizes a space free from distractions, allowing one to confront the silent depths of their mind and soul. The uncertainty expressed—questioning whether this quiet is a beginning or an end—reflects the universal human experience of change, growth, and the fear or hope that accompanies moments of stillness.

In life, periods of silence and solitude often serve as pivotal points where we evaluate our paths, confront our truths, and contemplate our next steps. Sometimes, this quiet heralds new beginnings; a clean slate, fresh opportunities, or inner transformation that prompts us to evolve. Other times, it signifies an ending—closure from an old chapter, letting go of things no longer serving us, or the conclusion of a phase that was once familiar and comforting. The ambiguity in the quote encapsulates the delicate boundary between these two states, emphasizing the fluidity of life's transitions.

It vividly portrays the human condition: a continuous dance between beginnings and ends, neither wholly separable from the other. Such moments of stillness invite deep listening and self-awareness, encouraging us to accept uncertainty as an integral part of growth. Embracing this ambiguity can foster resilience, patience, and understanding as we navigate life's cycles. This quote beautifully encapsulates that delicate balance—the quiet before a new dawn or the aftermath of a closing chapter—and reminds us that within silence lies profound potential for transformation.

This reflection aligns with the themes of awareness, transition, and the profound nature of inner reflection expressed in Jack Gilbert's poem 'The Dance Most of All.'

Page views
2
Update
July 25, 2025

Rate the Quote

Add Comment & Review

User Reviews

Based on 0 reviews
5 Star
0
4 Star
0
3 Star
0
2 Star
0
1 Star
0
Add Comment & Review
We'll never share your email with anyone else.