I should have been too glad, I see - A poem by Emily Dickinson

Emily Dickinson - I should have been too glad, I see

I should have been too glad, I see --
Too lifted -- for the scant degree
Of Life's penurious Round --
My little Circuit would have shamed
This new Circumference -- have blamed --
The homelier time behind.

I should have been too saved -- I see --
Too rescued -- Fear too dim to me
That I could spell the Prayer
I knew so perfect -- yesterday --
That Scalding One -- Sabachthani --
Recited fluent -- here --

Earth would have been too much -- I see --
And Heaven -- not enough for me --
I should have had the Joy
Without the Fear -- to justify --
The Palm -- without the Calvary --
So Savior -- Crucify --
Defeat -- whets Victory -- they say --
The Reefs -- in old Gethsemane --
Endear the Coast -- beyond!
'Tis Beggars -- Banquets -- can define --
'Tis Parching -- vitalizes Wine --
"Faith" bleats -- to understand!

Share |

Added: Jan 9 2004 | Viewed: 5106 times |

Comments (3)

I should have been too glad, I see - Comments and Information
Poet: Emily Dickinson Poem: 313. I should have been too glad, I see Volume: Complete Poems of Emily Dickinson Year: Published/Written in 1955 Comment 3 of 3, added on July 13th, 2010 at 2:25 PM. I would have been too happy for a normal life and too happy to want to get saved--told from the point of view of a disembodied spirit. frumpo from United States Comment 2 of 3, added on November 11th, 2009 at 1:54 AM. This is the most comprehensive poetic expression of the three things Dickinson desired and was denied: a steady religious faith, recognition as a poet, and romantic love. In the order of the stanzas, she rationalizes the lack of each in her live as trials that build her character and sustain her constantly wavering faith in a higher power. Jeryl from United States Comment 1 of 3, added on November 11th, 2009 at 1:54 AM. This the most comprehensive poetic expression of the three things Dickinson desired and was denied: a steady religious faith, recognition as a poet, and romantic love. In the order of the stanzas, she rationalizes the lack of each in her live as trials that build her character and sustain her constantly wavering faith in a higher power. Jeryl from United States More Comments >> Are you looking for more information on this poem? Perhaps you are trying to analyze it? The poem, I should have been too glad, I see, has received 3 comments. Click here to read them, and perhaps post a comment of your own.

Poem Info
Poet: Emily Dickinson Poem: 313. I should have been too glad, I see Volume: Complete Poems of Emily Dickinson Year: Published/Written in 1955 Last read: 2013-05-20 13:43:21 Viewed 5106 times. Added Jan 9 2004.

Dickinson Info
Biography More Poems (1775 poems) Emily Dickinson books