You are aware of only one unrest; Oh, never learn to know the other! Two souls, alas, are dwelling in my breast, And one is striving to forsake its brother. Into the world in grossly loving zest, With clinging tendrils, one adheres; The other rises forcibly in quest Of rarefied ancestral spheres. If there be spirits in the air That hold their sway between the earth and sky, Descend out of the golden vapors there And sweep me into iridescent life. Oh, came a magic cloak into my hands To carry me to distant lands, I should not trade it for the choicest gown, Nor for the cloak and garments of the crown.
This quote invites deep introspection into the duality inherent within human nature. It vividly depicts the inner conflict between two contrasting souls residing within an individual – one rooted in earthly love and attachment, symbolized by tendrils that cling and anchor, and the other seeking spiritual elevation and transcendence, ascending toward higher, more ethereal spheres. The imagery evokes a tension between material affection and spiritual longing, illustrating how these aspects vie for dominance in our inner worlds. The plea for spirits to descend from the sky and sweep the speaker into iridescent life reflects a longing for transcendence and spiritual awakening that surpasses worldly concerns. The mention of a magic cloak, a symbol of exploration and adventure beyond the mundane, suggests a desire for liberation, a wish to escape the limitations of this duality through wonder and cosmic journeying. The quote encapsulates the universal human experience of inner division—the tug-of-war between the love for tangible existence and the yearning for higher understanding or spiritual fulfillment. It emphasizes that true fulfillment might lie beyond mere material pursuits or superficial pleasures, urging a pursuit of deeper, more luminous realms of existence. The poetic and metaphysical tone challenges us to reflect on our personal struggles with inner harmony, reminding us of the perpetual quest for inner peace and enlightenment amidst complex dualities.
