Theodore Roethke Quotes

A collection of quotes by Theodore Roethke.

Theodore Roethke (1908-1963) was an American poet known for his introspective and deeply resonant work. Born in Michigan, he was deeply influenced by his surroundings and often depicted the natural world in his poetry. Roethke's writing explored themes of love, loss, and the human experience, while his unique use of language and imagery earned him critical acclaim. Throughout his career, he received numerous prestigious awards, including the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry. Roethke's profound influence on American poetry continues to be widely recognized.

Deep in their roots, all flowers keep the light.

Deep in their roots, all flowers keep the light.

Theodore Roethke


All lovers live by longing, and endure; summon a vision and

All lovers live by longing, and endure; summon a vision and declare it pure

Theodore Roethke

Love

My secrets cry aloud. I have no need for tongue. My heart ke

My secrets cry aloud. I have no need for tongue. My heart keeps open house, My doors are widely swung. An epic of the eyes My love, with no disguise.

Theodore Roethke

Love Door

Beginnings start without shade, Thinner than minnows. The li

Beginnings start without shade, Thinner than minnows. The live grass whirls with the sun, Feet run over the simple stones, There's time enough. Behold, in the lout's eye, love.

Theodore Roethke

Time Love Thetimes

What is madness but nobility of soul. At odds with circumsta

What is madness but nobility of soul. At odds with circumstance?

Theodore Roethke

Insanity

Deep in their roots all flowers keep the light.

Deep in their roots all flowers keep the light.

Theodore Roethke

Flowers

Love is not love until love's vulnerable.

Love is not love until love's vulnerable.

Theodore Roethke

Love

In a dark time, the eye begins to see.

In a dark time, the eye begins to see.

Theodore Roethke

Adversity