
East Coker
"East Coker" is the third poem in T.S. Eliot’s "Four Quartets," reflecting on themes of mortality, time, and spiritual renewal. It uses the metaphor of a small English village—East Coker—to explore the cycles of life, decay, and rebirth. The poem emphasizes that understanding and accepting life's transience can lead to personal and spiritual growth. It suggests that endurance and humility are vital in facing life's impermanence, and that embracing our roots helps us find meaning amid change. Overall, it encourages a reflection on mortality to achieve deeper wisdom.