What is — “Paradise” —
Who live there —
Are they “Farmers” —
Do they “hoe” —
Do they know that this is “Amherst” —
And that I — am coming — too —

Do they wear “new shoes” — in “Eden” —
Is it always pleasant — there —
Won’t they scold us — when we’re homesick —
Or tell God — how cross we are —

You are sure there’s such a person
As “a Father” — in the sky —
So if I get lost — there — ever —
Or do what the Nurse calls “die” —
I shan’t walk the “Jasper” — barefoot —
Ransomed folks — won’t laugh at me —
Maybe — “Eden” a’n’t so lonesome
As New England used to be!

Analysis, meaning and summary of Emily Dickinson's poem What is — “Paradise”

4 Comments

  1. frumpo says:

    Maybe Heaven will not be petty, like Amherst often is.

  2. Jenny says:

    I think the author is asking a lot of questions that many people do. I am not a religious person but i do believe in god. Althought sometimes it is hard to believe in something not tangible and not always there.

  3. Emily says:

    i may only be 15 but i so connect with her questions of her religon im going through the same thing.

  4. Gabriel Joe says:

    It’s totally awesome..I like this poem. so touching me

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