Time engraves our faces with all the tears we have not shed

Time engraves our faces with all the tears we have not shed

Natalie Clifford Barney was a prominent American-French writer, poet, and salon hostess in the early 20th century. She was known for her wit, intelligence, and unconventional lifestyle, which often challenged societal norms. Throughout her life, Barney experienced many trials and tribulations, which undoubtedly left their mark on her face.

The quote "Time engraves our faces with all the tears we have not shed" is particularly poignant when applied to Barney's life. Despite her outward appearance of confidence and strength, Barney faced numerous personal struggles and heartaches that she often kept hidden from the public eye. As a queer woman living in a time when homosexuality was heavily stigmatized, Barney faced discrimination and rejection from society. Additionally, she experienced heartbreak and loss in her romantic relationships, including a tumultuous affair with poet Renée Vivien.

Barney's refusal to conform to societal expectations and her willingness to live authentically undoubtedly took a toll on her emotional well-being. The quote suggests that the pain and sorrow we suppress over time will eventually manifest themselves physically, etching themselves into our very being. In Barney's case, the weight of her unshed tears may have contributed to the lines and wrinkles that marked her face as she aged.

Despite the challenges she faced, Barney remained resilient and continued to live life on her own terms. She surrounded herself with a circle of like-minded artists and intellectuals in her famous Parisian salon, where she fostered creativity and intellectual discourse. Through her writing and poetry, Barney found a way to express her innermost thoughts and emotions, allowing her to release some of the tears she had held back for so long.