“Arcturus” is his other name —
I’d rather call him “Star.”
It’s very mean of Science
To go and interfere!

I slew a worm the other day —
A “Savant” passing by
Murmured “Resurgam” — “Centipede”!
“Oh Lord — how frail are we”!

I pull a flower from the woods —
A monster with a glass
Computes the stamens in a breath —
And has her in a “class”!

Whereas I took the Butterfly
Aforetime in my hat —
He sits erect in “Cabinets” —
The Clover bells forgot.

What once was “Heaven”
Is “Zenith” now —
Where I proposed to go
When Time’s brief masquerade was done
Is mapped and charted too.

What if the poles should frisk about
And stand upon their heads!
I hope I’m ready for “the worst” —
Whatever prank betides!

Perhaps the “Kingdom of Heaven’s” changed —
I hope the “Children” there Won’t be “new fashioned” when I come —
And laugh at me — and stare —

I hope the Father in the skies
Will lift his little girl —
Old fashioned — naught — everything —
Over the stile of “Pearl.”

Analysis, meaning and summary of Emily Dickinson's poem “Arcturus” is his other name

3 Comments

  1. frumpo says:

    Science changes the simple, God-given names of things.

  2. William Boyd says:

    ‘Over the stile of “Pearl”‘ hard private. ‘The Soul Selects Her Own Society’ resonates perhaps. Hurdle of solitude sort thing. Thus ‘stamen’ saving yourself self idol even narcissm so on. Essentially playful ironical imo. Not so successful as TSSHOS but that is completely miraculous!

  3. Parvathy says:

    I love the poem, not just because of the poet’s way with words, but also because I share the same view about life in general. Time for introspection, people!!

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