Slowly the poison the whole blood stream fills. It is not the effort nor the failure tires. The waste remains, the waste remains and kills.

The quote "Slowly the poison the whole blood stream fills. It is not the effort nor the failure tires. The waste remains, the waste remains and kills." by William Empson explores the idea of corruption and decay as a gradual but deadly process. The metaphor of poison spreading through the bloodstream suggests an invisible but pervasive harm that affects the entire system. Empson emphasizes that it is not the struggle or the failures themselves that drain or destroy, but the lingering waste—unresolved issues or toxic elements—that ultimately cause destruction.

William Empson, a renowned literary critic and poet, often used rich imagery and metaphor in his work to delve into complex human emotions and societal problems. This quote likely comes from one of his poems or essays where he reflects on the slow, insidious effects of negative forces that persist despite effort or resistance. The repeated phrase "the waste remains" underscores the persistence of harmful residues that refuse to dissipate, continuing to cause damage over time.

The origin of this quote can be traced to Empson’s interest in the darker aspects of human experience and the subtle ways in which harm can infiltrate and undermine life or society. His writing often probes beneath surface appearances to reveal underlying decay and the tragic consequences of neglecting or ignoring these deeper problems.

In essence, Empson’s quote warns about the dangers of letting harmful elements—whether emotional, moral, or societal—linger unchecked. It highlights the importance of addressing and cleansing these “poisons” early before they spread and cause irreversible damage.