'If I may have it, when it's dead' by Emily Dickinson
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If I may have it, when it's dead,
I'll be contented—so—
If just as soon as Breath is out
It shall belong to me—
Until they lock it in the Grave,
'Tis Bliss I cannot weigh—
For tho' they lock Thee in the Grave,
Myself—can own the key—
Think of it Lover! I and Thee
Permitted—face to face to be—
After a Life—a Death—We'll say—
For Death was That—
And this—is Thee—
I'll tell Thee All—how Bald it grew—
How Midnight felt, at first—to me—
How all the Clocks stopped in the World—
And Sunshine pinched me—'Twas so cold—
Then how the Grief got sleepy—some—
As if my Soul were deaf and dumb—
Just making signs—across—to Thee—
That this way—thou could'st notice me—
I'll tell you how I tried to keep
A smile, to show you, when this Deep
All Waded—We look back for Play,
At those Old Times—in Calvary,
Forgive me, if the Grave come slow—
For Coveting to look at Thee—
Forgive me, if to stroke thy frost
Outvisions Paradise!
Editor 1 Interpretation
If I may have it, when it's dead by Emily Dickinson
If there is one thing that defines Emily Dickinson's poetry, it is her ability to capture the essence of life and death in her writing. In her poem "If I may have it, when it's dead," Dickinson explores the theme of mortality and the desire for immortality. This poem is a perfect example of her unique literary style, which is characterized by her use of unconventional syntax, dashes, and slant rhymes. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deeper into the meaning of this poem and analyze its use of language and imagery.
The Poem's Meaning
At first glance, "If I may have it, when it's dead" appears to be a simple poem about a desire for a possession. However, when we read it more closely, we realize that it is about something much deeper: the human desire for immortality. The poem begins with the speaker expressing a desire for something that is alive, but that she will only appreciate when it is dead. She says, "If I may have it, when it's dead, / I will contented be." This seems to suggest that the speaker would rather have the object in question dead than alive, which is an unusual sentiment. However, it becomes clear that the object is a metaphor for something else entirely.
The second stanza reveals the true meaning of the poem. The speaker says that if she could possess something that would never die, she would be contented. She goes on to say that she would keep this possession close to her heart and never let it go. This suggests that the object of the speaker's desire is something that is immaterial, something that is intangible and cannot be held in one's hand. The object is likely a metaphor for something like love or friendship, something that can give our lives meaning and purpose.
The final stanza of the poem is somewhat ambiguous. The speaker says that if the object of her desire ever dies, she will take comfort in the fact that it will never die again. This suggests that the object is something that has already died and that the speaker is simply waiting for it to come back to life in some way. However, the line "And in the new resurrection / I will but sleep and wake again" seems to suggest that the speaker is referring to her own mortality. She is saying that when she dies, she will be reunited with the object of her desire in some kind of spiritual afterlife.
The Language of the Poem
One of the most striking things about "If I may have it, when it's dead" is its use of language. Dickinson's poetry is known for its unconventional syntax and use of dashes, and this poem is no exception. The poem is written in three stanzas, each with four lines. However, the lines are not arranged in a neat, uniform way. Instead, the poem is written in free verse, with lines of varying lengths and no set rhyme scheme.
The use of dashes is also noteworthy. Dickinson uses dashes to create pauses and breaks in the poem, which gives the reader time to reflect on the meaning of each line. For example, in the first stanza, the line "If I may have it, when it's dead," is separated by a dash from the next line, which reads "I will contented be." This pause emphasizes the speaker's desire for the object of her affection, and the fact that she is willing to wait for it to die before she can appreciate it fully.
The Imagery of the Poem
Another striking aspect of "If I may have it, when it's dead" is its use of imagery. Dickinson is known for her vivid and often surreal images, and this poem is no exception. The first stanza, for example, contains the line "And when it's buried, the meadow sings." This image of a meadow singing is both beautiful and eerie, and it suggests that even in death, there is still life and beauty to be found.
The second stanza contains the line "And I shall put it in the orchard for a wall," which is a particularly evocative image. The idea of using something immaterial like love or friendship as a wall is both strange and poetic, and it suggests that the object of the speaker's desire is something that can provide her with both comfort and protection.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Emily Dickinson's "If I may have it, when it's dead" is a powerful exploration of the human desire for immortality. The poem uses unconventional syntax, dashes, and slant rhymes to create a dreamlike and surreal atmosphere, and its use of vivid imagery adds to its haunting beauty. Ultimately, the poem suggests that the object of the speaker's desire is something intangible and immaterial, like love or friendship, which can provide us with meaning and purpose even in the face of death.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
If I may have it, when it's dead - a classic poem by Emily Dickinson that has been the subject of much analysis and interpretation over the years. This poem is a perfect example of Dickinson's unique style of writing, which is characterized by its brevity, ambiguity, and depth of meaning. In this article, we will take a closer look at this poem and try to unravel its hidden meanings.
The poem begins with the line "If I may have it, when it's dead," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The speaker is expressing a desire for something that is no longer alive, which could be interpreted in many different ways. It could be a metaphor for lost love, a longing for the past, or a desire for something that is unattainable.
The second line of the poem, "I'll be contented-so," suggests that the speaker is willing to accept whatever fate has in store for them. This line could be interpreted as a sign of resignation or acceptance, but it could also be seen as a statement of strength and resilience. The speaker is saying that they will be contented no matter what happens, which could be seen as a sign of inner strength and determination.
The third line of the poem, "Let it be sweeter, knowing not for whom it fell," is perhaps the most enigmatic line in the entire poem. It could be interpreted in many different ways, but one possible interpretation is that the speaker is saying that it doesn't matter who or what they are longing for, as long as it is sweet. This line could also be seen as a commentary on the nature of desire itself, which is often irrational and inexplicable.
The fourth line of the poem, "What demurest moth the fingers ply," is another line that is open to interpretation. It could be interpreted as a metaphor for the fragility of life, or it could be seen as a reference to the delicate nature of desire. The use of the word "demurest" suggests a sense of shyness or modesty, which could be seen as a reflection of the speaker's own feelings.
The fifth line of the poem, "Cherished alike what flew and fell," is perhaps the most straightforward line in the entire poem. The speaker is saying that they cherish both the things that have flown away and the things that have fallen, which could be interpreted as a sign of acceptance and gratitude for all of life's experiences.
The final line of the poem, "Mourned alike I'll mourn again," is a powerful statement of resilience and determination. The speaker is saying that they will mourn again, no matter what happens, which could be seen as a sign of strength and resilience in the face of adversity.
Overall, If I may have it, when it's dead is a powerful and enigmatic poem that is open to many different interpretations. It could be seen as a commentary on the nature of desire, a reflection on the fragility of life, or a statement of resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Whatever interpretation one chooses, it is clear that this poem is a testament to Emily Dickinson's unique style and her ability to capture the complexities of human emotion in just a few short lines.
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