Meaning: This quote by Alice Meynell, a British poet and essayist, delves into the concept of the true color of life. Meynell suggests that the essence of life is represented by the color of the body, the hidden red of the living heart and pulses, and the modest color of the unpublished blood. This profound statement implies that the real essence of life lies beneath the surface, in the depths of our physical existence and the vitality that sustains us.

Meynell's use of color as a metaphor for life is both striking and thought-provoking. By describing the true color of life as the color of the body, she emphasizes the physical nature of existence. The body serves as a vessel for life, and the color it embodies is a reflection of the vitality and energy that sustains us. This suggests that the true essence of life is rooted in the tangible, corporeal aspects of our existence, rather than in abstract or intangible concepts.

Furthermore, Meynell's reference to the "covered red" and the "implicit and not explicit red" of the living heart and pulses conveys the idea that the true color of life is not always immediately apparent. It is not the vibrant, visible red that first comes to mind, but rather a hidden, subdued hue that resides within us. This implies that the true essence of life may not always be evident on the surface, but rather requires a deeper understanding and appreciation of the complexities and nuances of our existence.

The notion of the "modest color of the unpublished blood" further reinforces Meynell's exploration of the hidden and understated aspects of life. The use of the word "modest" suggests a sense of humility and restraint, indicating that the true color of life is not ostentatious or showy. Instead, it is a quiet, unassuming hue that flows through our veins, sustaining us and connecting us to the very essence of our being. This imagery evokes a sense of reverence for the life force that quietly and steadfastly sustains us, often without drawing attention to itself.

In essence, Meynell's quote invites us to contemplate the deeper, more subtle aspects of life that often go unnoticed. It encourages us to look beyond the surface and seek out the hidden colors that define our existence. By drawing attention to the physical, visceral nature of life and the quiet, unassuming beauty that lies within us, Meynell prompts us to reconsider our understanding of what it means to truly live.

In conclusion, Alice Meynell's quote offers a compelling perspective on the true color of life, using vivid and evocative language to convey the idea that the essence of life resides in the physical, hidden, and unassuming aspects of our existence. Her words encourage us to embrace the quiet beauty that sustains us and to recognize the profound significance of the life force that flows through our veins. Through her poetic exploration of the true color of life, Meynell invites us to contemplate the deeper meaning of our existence and to appreciate the understated hues that define our being.