Some keep the Sabbath going to Church - A poem by Emily Dickinson

Emily Dickinson - Some keep the Sabbath going to Church

Some keep the Sabbath going to Church --
I keep it, staying at Home --
With a Bobolink for a Chorister --
And an Orchard, for a Dome --

Some keep the Sabbath in Surplice --
I just wear my Wings --
And instead of tolling the Bell, for Church,
Our little Sexton -- sings.

God preaches, a noted Clergyman --
And the sermon is never long,
So instead of getting to Heaven, at last --
I'm going, all along.

Added: on February 24th, 2006 at 7:12 PM | Viewed: 18340 times | Comments and analysis of Some keep the Sabbath going to Church by Emily Dickinson Comments (10)

Some keep the Sabbath going to Church - Comments and Information
Poet: Emily Dickinson Poem: 324. Some keep the Sabbath going to Church Volume: Complete Poems of Emily Dickinson Year: Published/Written in 1955 Comment 10 of 10, added on May 24th, 2007 at 1:17 AM. Has justice been done to the poem’s ending, "I'm going, all along"? Emily seems to imply that she is already partaking, heartily and comprehensively, in an ongoing heaven. Her tone is jubilant: it's not her lot to tarry, yearning for some afterlife. Ian G from Australia Comment 9 of 10, added on March 21st, 2006 at 4:15 PM. kate, i'm afraid "at least" is a typo. i looked in my book, and in several other sources, and it is in fact "at last", and as someone else said before, it absolutely changes the connotation of the poem . However your analysis is what matters, and i think it is very helpful for those who are interested on the poem and not on criticism towards other people. Chantal from Chile Comment 8 of 10, added on February 24th, 2006 at 7:12 PM. I agree with Steph. "At least" from the poem really changes the whole poem. When i first read it, i was surprised to see what i read! Lena from United States More Comments >> Are you looking for more information on this poem? Perhaps you are trying to analyze it? The poem, Some keep the Sabbath going to Church, has received 10 comments. Click here to read them, and perhaps post a comment of your own. Of course you can also always discuss poems by Emily Dickinson with others on the American Poems poetry forum!

Poem Info
Poet: Emily Dickinson Poem: 324. Some keep the Sabbath going to Church Volume: Complete Poems of Emily Dickinson Year: Published/Written in 1955 Last read: Jul 8 2008, 9:48PM Viewed 18340 times. Added on February 24th, 2006 at 7:12 PM.

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