In the depth of winter, I finally learned

That within me there lay an invincible summer.

And so came the time when I no longer asked

The inward thunderclouds to pass away.

Time present and time past

Are both perhaps present in time future,

And time future contained in time past.

If all time is eternally present

All time is unredeemable.

What might have been is an abstraction

Remaining a perpetual possibility

Only in a world of speculation.

Here where the world ends and begins,

We shall meet after death.

Shall we only linger here

After the last knell has tolled?

This is the way the world ends

Not with a bang but a whimper.

The above lines are taken from "Four Quartets," a profound poetic work by T.S. Eliot. This poem is a meditation on time, memory, and redemption. It explores the cyclical nature of existence and the search for spiritual fulfillment amidst the chaos of modern life. Each quartet delves into different themes, yet they are interconnected, forming a complex tapestry of thought and emotion.

Eliot's use of imagery and language creates a hauntingly beautiful piece that resonates with readers on multiple levels. The poem challenges us to reflect on our place in the universe and the fleeting nature of time. It invites introspection and contemplation about what truly matters in life.

"Four Quartets" is not just a literary masterpiece; it is a philosophical journey that continues to inspire and provoke thought long after its final lines have been read.