'We miss Her, not because We see' by Emily Dickinson

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We miss Her, not because We see-
The Absence of an Eye-
Except its Mind accompany
Abridge SocietyAs slightly as the Routes of Stars-
Ourselves-asleep below-
We know that their superior Eyes
Include Us-as they go-

Editor 1 Interpretation

Emily Dickinson's "We miss Her, not because We see": A Poetic Exploration of Grief and Loss

When one thinks of Emily Dickinson, it's likely that the first thing to come to mind is her reclusive lifestyle, her eccentricity, and, of course, her poetry. But beyond these surface-level characteristics, Dickinson's poems are also known for their emotional intensity, particularly when it comes to themes of death, grief, and loss. In "We miss Her, not because We see," the poet delves into these themes with her signature style of sparse, yet powerful, language.

At its core, "We miss Her, not because We see" is a poem about the ways in which we experience the absence of a loved one. Dickinson starts off with a statement that seems almost paradoxical: "We miss Her, not because We see." How can we miss someone if we don't see them? But as the poem unfolds, it becomes clear that Dickinson is talking about a different kind of seeing – an emotional and spiritual seeing that goes beyond mere physical sight.

The first two stanzas of the poem set the tone for what's to come:

  We miss Her, not because We see –
  The Absent Mother – on the Knee –
  But when the Night – beloved comes –
  And Day – we do not see –
  Fair – Landscapes – on His Hand –
  When Pyramids – decay –
  And Kingdoms – like the Orchard – lie –
  Bejeweled – fashion – Pyx –

Here, Dickinson is describing the ways in which the presence of a loved one is felt even when they're not physically there. The "Night – beloved" evokes a sense of comfort and familiarity, as if the beloved is a source of solace in the darkness. The absence of the beloved during the day is juxtaposed with the presence of "Fair – Landscapes" on their hand during the night. Even when the physical world around us decays and falls apart ("Pyramids – decay"), the emotional and spiritual connection we have with our loved ones persists ("Bejeweled – fashion – Pyx").

The next stanza takes a darker turn:

  To Him who keeps His Ledge clean –
  Ascending in the Cloud –
  To those who for Him – witness – bear –
  A Cloud is their Reward –

Here, Dickinson seems to be exploring the idea of death and what comes after. The "Him" who keeps his ledge clean could be interpreted as God or some kind of higher power. Those who witness and bear witness to this ascent to a higher plane of existence are rewarded with a "Cloud" – perhaps a heaven or an afterlife.

The final stanza brings the poem full circle:

  It is His privilege – and Our own –
  To Immortality –
  Transported – Without a Choice –
  The Woman – and the Boy –

Here, Dickinson is emphasizing the idea that death is not something we have control over – it is a privilege and a fate that we all share. The "Woman – and the Boy" could be a reference to a specific person or people, but they could also be seen as stand-ins for all of us who will one day face this fate. The use of the word "Transported" suggests a sense of movement or transition – perhaps into a new state of being or existence.

Overall, "We miss Her, not because We see" is a haunting and beautifully crafted poem that explores the complex emotions of grief and loss. Through her sparse yet evocative language, Dickinson manages to capture the essence of what it means to miss someone who is no longer with us. Whether it's the comfort of a loved one's presence during the night or the hope of an afterlife, Dickinson reminds us that our connection to those we've lost can endure even in the face of death.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets in American literature, and her poem "We miss Her, not because We see" is a prime example of her unique style and poetic genius. In this poem, Dickinson explores the theme of absence and the ways in which we remember and mourn those who are no longer with us. Through her use of language, imagery, and structure, Dickinson creates a haunting and powerful meditation on loss and grief.

The poem begins with the simple statement, "We miss Her, not because We see," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The use of the capitalized "Her" suggests that the speaker is referring to a specific person, and the fact that they miss her "not because We see" implies that she is no longer present in their lives. This opening line is deceptively simple, but it sets the stage for the complex emotions and ideas that Dickinson will explore throughout the rest of the poem.

The second line of the poem, "Which Quality do You miss, My Heart?" is a direct address to the reader, and it invites us to consider the question of what it means to miss someone. The use of the second person "You" makes the poem feel personal and intimate, as if the speaker is speaking directly to us. The question itself is also intriguing, as it suggests that there are many different qualities that we might miss in someone who is no longer with us.

The rest of the poem is structured as a series of questions and answers, as the speaker explores the different qualities that might be missed in the absent "Her." Each stanza begins with a question, such as "Is it the dear Unequivocal / Nature of the Sun," or "Or that Ethereal Creature / Denied the Right to breathe." These questions are followed by a series of images and metaphors that explore the different qualities that might be missed in the absent person.

One of the most striking things about this poem is the way that Dickinson uses language to create vivid and evocative images. For example, in the first stanza, she describes the absent person as having the "Nature of the Sun," which suggests warmth, light, and life-giving energy. This image is immediately contrasted with the next line, which describes the person as "dear Unequivocal," suggesting that she was straightforward and honest in her dealings with others. These two images together create a complex and nuanced portrait of the absent person, one that is both radiant and honest.

Throughout the poem, Dickinson uses a variety of other images and metaphors to explore the different qualities that might be missed in the absent person. In the second stanza, she describes the person as an "Ethereal Creature / Denied the Right to breathe," which suggests that she was delicate and otherworldly, but also that she was somehow constrained or oppressed. This image is followed by a series of other images that explore the different ways in which the absent person might have been constrained or limited in her life.

Another striking aspect of this poem is the way that Dickinson uses repetition and variation to create a sense of rhythm and momentum. Each stanza begins with a question, which is then followed by a series of images and metaphors that explore the different qualities that might be missed in the absent person. The repetition of this structure creates a sense of continuity and coherence throughout the poem, while the variation in the images and metaphors keeps the poem fresh and surprising.

In the final stanza of the poem, Dickinson brings all of these different threads together in a powerful and moving conclusion. She writes:

"Or is it Her accustoming Eye - To Him of Ours - that on the Air Persuades it as with Radish Seed - Or Apple in the Ear?"

This stanza is particularly powerful because it suggests that the speaker is not the only one who misses the absent person. The use of the pronoun "Our" suggests that there are others who are also mourning her loss, and the image of the "accustoming Eye" suggests that she was intimately connected to the speaker and those around her. The final two lines of the poem are particularly striking, as they suggest that the absent person's presence is still felt in the world, even though she is no longer physically present. The image of the "Radish Seed" or "Apple in the Ear" suggests that her influence is subtle but pervasive, and that she continues to shape the world around her even in her absence.

In conclusion, "We miss Her, not because We see" is a powerful and haunting poem that explores the theme of absence and the ways in which we remember and mourn those who are no longer with us. Through her use of language, imagery, and structure, Emily Dickinson creates a complex and nuanced portrait of the absent person, one that is both radiant and honest. The poem is a testament to Dickinson's poetic genius and her ability to capture the complexities of human emotion in a few short lines.

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