A Pinch of Salt by Robert Graves
The work explores the delicate relationship between aspiration and reality, emphasizing the fragility of dreams and the importance of nurturing them without overwhelming them. It begins with the recognition of a dream's beauty and truth, highlighting the pain that often accompanies its birth. The imagery of a bird symbolizes the elusive nature of dreams, suggesting that attempts to grasp them too forcefully can lead to their loss. The narrative advises caution, urging the reader to appreciate dreams without becoming overly fixated on them. It contrasts the innocence of youthful ambition with the wisdom of experience, suggesting that those who have pursued dreams before understand the futility of chasing them too aggressively. Instead, the work advocates for a more measured approach, encouraging the poet to mask their desires and maintain a sense of detachment. Ultimately, when a dream is finally within reach, the text emphasizes the importance of holding onto it gently yet securely. The work encapsulates the tension between desire and restraint, illustrating the complexities of creative ambition and the need for balance in the pursuit of one's aspirations.
By Robert Graves · First published 1942 · Genre: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Philosophical · 193 words
First lines
When a dream is born in you With a sudden clamorous pain, When you know the dream is true And lovely, with no flaw nor stain, O then, be careful, or with sudden clutch You'll hurt the delicate thing you prize so much.
Dreams are like a bird that mocks, Flirting the feathers of his tail. When you seize at the salt-box Over the hedge you'll see him sail. Old birds are neither caught with salt nor chaff: They watch you from the apple bough and laugh.
Poet, never chase the dream. Laugh yourself and turn away. Mask your hunger, let it seem Small matter if he come or stay; But when he nestles in your hand at last, Close up your fingers tight and hold him fast.
What this Textopian page supports
A Pinch of Salt is listed on Textopian as a poem by Robert Graves, dated 1942 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Robert Graves
- Date: 1942 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Philosophical, Romanticism, Symbolism
- Length: 193 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Similar titles
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- On A Bad Singer by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
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- To Will H Low by Robert Louis Stevenson
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs poetic devices, focusing on themes of dreams and aspirations.
- Literary Fiction — The exploration of deep emotional themes and the human experience aligns with literary fiction.
- Philosophical — The text delves into the nature of dreams and the complexities of desire, reflecting philosophical inquiries.
- Romanticism — The emphasis on emotion, nature, and individual experience is characteristic of Romantic literature.
Tags
dreams · poetry · imagination · creativity · metaphor · nature · birds · life · art · self-reflection · caution · desire