One night, I lay awake for hours, just terrified. When the dawn finally came up - the comfortable blue sky, the familiar world returning - I could think of no other way to express my relief than through poetry. I made a decision there and then that it was what I wanted to do. Every time I pulled a wishbone, it was what I asked for.

One night, I lay awake for hours, just terrified. When the dawn finally came up - the comfortable blue sky, the familiar world returning - I could think of no other way to express my relief than through poetry. I made a decision there and then that it was what I wanted to do. Every time I pulled a wishbone, it was what I asked for.

📖 Alice Oswald

🌍 British  |  👨‍💼 Poet

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This quote poignantly captures the profound emotional journey from fear to relief, illustrating how intense experiences can become catalysts for embracing creative passions. The author describes a night filled with terror, a moment where consciousness is suspended in anxiety, not unlike many personal struggles with uncertainty or despair. The arrival of dawn provides a symbol of hope and stability—a familiar, calming scene that signifies the end of turmoil and the return to normalcy. The act of translating relief into poetry underscores the essential human need to process and give voice to intense emotions through art.

What resonates deeply here is the idea that moments of crisis can redefine one’s purpose. The commitment to poetry as a means of expression emerges naturally from the desire to communicate what words often fail to capture in experiences of raw emotion. It reminds us that our vulnerabilities—those dark, sleepless nights—can foster creativity and self-understanding. The mention of wishing upon a wishbone highlights the element of hope, the desire for something more meaningful, and the act of asking for what truly matters. This quote celebrates the transformative power of emotional upheaval and how it can inspire one to pursue their passion with renewed conviction. It’s a testament to the enduring human spirit that seeks solace, clarity, and identity through artistic expression in the wake of fear.

Overall, the reflection encourages us not to shy away from our darkest moments but to see them as opportunities for growth and artistic creation, reminding us that even in terror, there lies the seed of inspiration.

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August 22, 2025

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