In the dark I rest, unready for the light which dawnsday after day, eager to be shared. Black silk, shelter me. I needmore of the night before I openeyes and heartto illumination. I must stillgrow in the dark like a rootnot ready, not ready at all.

Denise Levertov
About This Quote

The lines in this poem are about how the world is filled with darkness and sadness. The speaker finds solace in black silk; she needs time to grow before she can open her heart to the light. The speaker finds herself in an unready state; she doesn't know how to get past all of her sadness. The poem is about how there is still hope for the speaker, though, because the speaker is willing to be patient and continue to grow until she can come out of her darkness.

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  1. Yes, he is here in thisopen field, in sunlight, amongthe few young trees set outto modify the bare facts--he's here, but onlybecause we are here. When we go, he goes with usto be your hands that neverdo violence, your eyesthat wonder, your livesthat daily praise...

  2. In the dark I rest, unready for the light which dawnsday after day, eager to be shared. Black silk, shelter me. I needmore of the night before I openeyes and heartto illumination. I must stillgrow in the dark like a rootnot ready, not ready at...

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