"But let them sleep, Lord, and me mourn a space"
- John Donne
About this Quote
In this quote, John Donne expresses a desire for privacy and mourning. The expression "let them sleep" describes others, maybe in the context of the bigger world, who are seemingly oblivious or indifferent to the speaker's complaint. By resolving the Lord, Donne seeks solace and understanding in his grief. The reference of sleep can be metaphorical, recommending people's lack of knowledge or unawareness of the speaker's pain. On the other hand, the phrase "and me grieve a space" indicates a longing to grieve for an amount of time, suggesting a requirement for personal reflection and the processing of feelings. In general, Donne conveys a yearning for area and privacy to grieve and recover.
About the Author