Gwen Harwood, an influential Australian poet and composer, is celebrated for her thought-provoking and emotionally resonant verses that explore themes of identity, memory, gender roles, and the complexities of human relationships. Her words, marked by their depth and lyrical beauty, continue to captivate readers with their introspection and authenticity. In this article, we present a compilation of the top 10 quotes by Gwen Harwood that showcase her poetic brilliance, her exploration of the human psyche, and her enduring impact on literature and culture.
Top 10 Gwen Harwood Quotes
Nothing is given except the fleeting moment
of sense perception and the firm basis of emotion.
From “Father and Child,” Harwood’s lines emphasize the significance of sensory experiences and emotional truths.
The past is made of ink on paper;
the future is an imagination.
In “Father and Child,” Harwood reflects on the ephemeral nature of the past and the speculative nature of the future.
That strange
uniformed and visitant on her horse.
From “In the Park,” Harwood’s lines capture the alienation and isolation experienced by the poem’s protagonist.
We stand around the grave in a defiant ring
while doves on silver wings settle,
whether for the wedding or the wake.
In “The Bridegroom,” Harwood uses imagery to explore the ambivalence between life’s milestones.
Look; your last dream
of a past you will not need to remember.
From “A Valediction,” Harwood contemplates the fading of memories and their eventual release.
Once
a stream of music played for him; he
in the profligate light of afternoon.
In “Father and Child,” Harwood’s lines evoke nostalgia and the fleeting beauty of memory.
The edge
of consciousness where worlds collide,
we slowly come to clarity,
hearing the angel’s accents in each word.
From “Suburban Sonnet,” Harwood’s lines explore the intersection of the ordinary and the sublime.
Time that I marked with miracles is past.
In “Alter Ego,” Harwood reflects on the loss of youthful wonder and transformation.
Today I am
without courage, without meaning.
Take pity on me.
From “Mother Who Gave Me Life,” Harwood’s lines convey vulnerability and a plea for empathy.
And who will know how, later
you grieved to leave us standing on the shore
with new worlds waiting in your eyes.
From “Mother Who Gave Me Life,” Harwood’s lines capture the complexity of a mother-daughter relationship.
In conclusion, Gwen Harwood’s quotes offer insight into her ability to delve into the intricacies of human emotions, memory, and existence. Her verses continue to inspire readers, inviting them to explore the depths of their own experiences and reflect on the profound mysteries of life. Harwood’s legacy as a poet and composer endures, reminding us of the power of language to illuminate the complexities of the human soul and to forge connections across time and culture.