And it seemed as though for a moment, the world encapsulated them in a giant sigh. As if the world was exhausted by humanity–by the bellows of war and bullets, of hateful cries and grieving tears. Of all the pain, the endless pain humanity had brought into its peaceful existence. A great heaving sigh to wash it all away. But like the sea, when washed away, war only crashed harder, a surging line of arched backs and brackish tears. Kelseyleigh Reber
About This Quote

In this quote by Mary Oliver, she alludes to the end of a war. In the world, wars are not only fought with fists and guns but with our emotions as well. The entire situation can create a feeling of sadness and despair over humanity's actions over the past century. In fact, the "sea" is a reference to a different time, a time before war was ever a possibility.

The sea is a metaphor for the vast oceans of humanity's history. Over the course of all those years, waves have been created and fought over, but the sea has always been there, washing away the pain and bringing peace again.

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