The fire you rubbed left its brand on the most vulnerable, most vicious and tender point of my body. Now I have to pay for your rasping the red rash too strongly, too soon, as charred wood has to pay for burning. When I remain without your caresses, I lose all control of my nerves, nothing exists any more than the ecstasy of friction, the abiding effect of your sting, of your delicious poison.

📖 Vladimir Nabokov

🌍 American  |  👨‍💼 Novelist

🎂 April 22, 1899  –  ⚰️ July 2, 1977
(0 Reviews)

The speaker expresses deep emotional turmoil stemming from a past relationship, likening their passionate encounters to a consuming fire that leaves its mark on their being. The intimacy they shared has led to a vulnerability that now feels like a painful memory, suggesting that love can lead to both ecstasy and suffering. The imagery of burnt wood emphasizes the scars left by intense experiences, symbolizing how love can alter one’s state of being irrevocably.

As the speaker reflects on the absence of their partner's touch, they describe a loss of control and a longing for the physical connection that once brought them joy. The metaphor of "delicious poison" highlights the addictive quality of their affection, indicating that the pleasure derived from this relationship is entwined with pain and longing. This complex interplay between ecstasy and anguish captures the essence of their emotional landscape, underscoring the transformative power of love.

Page views
9
Update
March 22, 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.