Stevie Smith Quotes

My Muse sits forlornShe wishes she had not been bornShe sits in the coldNo word she says is ever told.

Prate not to me of suicide, Faint heart in battle, not for pride I say Endure, but that such end denied Makes welcomer yet the death that's to be died.

If I lie down on my bed I must be here,But if I lie down in my grave I may be elsewhere.

There are moments of despair that come sometimes, when night sets in and a white fog presses against the windows. Then our house changes its shape, rears up and becomes a place of despair. Then fear and rage run simply--and the thought of Death as a friend. This is the simplest of thoughts, that Death must come when we call, although he is a god.

Marriage I thinkFor womenIs the best of opiates.It kills the thoughtsThat think about the thoughts,It is the best of opiates.So said Maria.But too long in solitude she'd dwelt,And too long her thoughts had feltTheir strength. So when the man drew near,Out popped her thoughts and covered him with fear.Poor Maria! Better that she had kept her thoughts on a chain,For now she's alone again and all in pain;She sighs for the man that went and the thoughts that stayTo trouble her dreams by night and her dreams by day.

Love is not love that wounded bleeds And bleeding sullies slow. Come death within my hands and I Unto my love will go.

My heart was full of softening showers,I used to swing like this for hours,I did not care for war or death,I was glad to draw my breath.