Judith Wright, an acclaimed Australian poet and environmentalist, infused her verses with a deep connection to nature, social justice, and the human experience. Her words resonate with readers through their poignant reflection on the land, the impact of human actions, and the exploration of identity and history. In this article, we present a compilation of the top 10 quotes by Judith Wright that showcase her poetic brilliance, her advocacy for the environment, and her enduring influence on literature and activism.
Top 10 Judith Wright Quotes
The river is time. It is the river which sweeps away the past, and its noise is the sound of the new days approaching.
In this evocative metaphor from “The River,” Wright captures the essence of time and change through the imagery of a river’s flow.
The human heart can go to the lengths of God. / Dark and cold we may be, but this / Is no winter now.
From “Woman to Child,” Wright’s lines explore the capacity of the human heart for love and compassion.
We have to learn to cherish the trees and the plants / To match the richness of the meadows.
Wright’s call for environmental stewardship is evident in these lines from “The Company of Lovers.”
But the unhealed world keeps coming back.
From “Bullocky,” Wright’s succinct line reflects the persistence of unresolved issues in the world.
O generations of the air, look back on us now.
Wright’s lines from “Moving South” evoke a sense of retrospection and the gaze of future generations.
So clear, so still the sky, so still within it.
In “South of My Days,” Wright’s lines capture the tranquility and serenity of a rural landscape.
Only the heart cuts through, and the sorrow, / and the fretless pain.
From “Bullocky,” Wright’s words explore the emotional depth of human experiences.
They are the same: the grass, the trees, and I / Have seen it all in one place, repeated.
Wright’s lines from “The Surfer” reflect the interconnectedness of nature and human existence.
All these we share who live / Beneath one sky, / All nations, all who are / Human, all to which / Our earth is home.
In “Landscape of Discontent,” Wright speaks to the commonality of human experience and the shared planet we inhabit.
Let us turn / Toward each other, not to find the answers / But to ask for help as comrades in a darkened room.
From “Water,” Wright’s lines reflect the importance of seeking understanding and support from one another.
In conclusion, Judith Wright’s quotes reveal her profound connection to the environment, her exploration of human emotions, and her contemplation of the past and future. Through her evocative verses, she invites readers to consider their relationship with nature, their fellow humans, and the ongoing journey of self-discovery. Wright’s legacy as a poet and environmental advocate endures, reminding us of the enduring power of words to foster awareness, empathy, and a deeper understanding of our place within the world.