Floss won’t save you from an Abyss
But a Rope will —
Notwithstanding a Rope for a Souvenir
Is not beautiful —
But I tell you every step is a Trough —
And every stop a Well —
Now will you have the Rope or the Floss?
Prices reasonable —
Floss won’t save you from an Abyss
Analysis, meaning and summary of Emily Dickinson's poem Floss won’t save you from an Abyss
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There are two opposite approaches to existence (fill in your suggestions.) Either one of these approaches works–fifty percent of the time. Take your choice.
This a a deeply ironic comment on the predictament
we find ourselves in–forced, seemingly to choose an
identity. What the poem doesn’t bring up is the possibility of freedom from any one-sided identity–such as is taught in Zen Buddhism.