'I know Suspense—it steps so terse' by Emily Dickinson
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I know Suspense—it steps so terse
And turns so weak away—
Besides—Suspense is neighborly
When I am riding by—
Is always at the Window
Though lately I descry
And mention to my Horses
The need is not of me—
Edited by Peter Carter
Editor 1 Interpretation
I know Suspense—it steps so terse
Have you ever read a poem and felt like it was speaking directly to you? Like it was describing a feeling or experience that you had always known, but could never quite put into words? That's how I feel every time I read Emily Dickinson's "I know Suspense—it steps so terse."
This short but powerful poem captures the feeling of suspense—that sense of anticipation and anxiety that we experience when we're waiting for something to happen. Whether it's waiting for test results, waiting for a loved one to come home, or waiting for the outcome of a political election, suspense is a universal feeling that we all know too well.
But what is it about suspense that makes it so powerful? Why do we feel so drawn to stories and situations that keep us in a state of uncertainty? These are the questions that Emily Dickinson explores in her poem, and her answers are both poetic and profound.
Let's dive into the text and see what we can learn about the nature of suspense and its impact on our lives.
I know Suspense—it steps so terse
Right from the first line, Dickinson sets the tone for the poem. "I know Suspense—it steps so terse" she declares, as if she's making a bold statement about a force that she knows intimately. The word "terse" is particularly striking here, as it suggests something that is concise, direct, and to the point. It's almost as if suspense is a person who speaks in short, clipped sentences, never wasting a word.
But what does it mean for suspense to "step"? The word suggests movement, as if suspense is a living thing that moves among us, like a shadow or a ghost. And yet, the word "step" also implies a certain deliberateness, as if suspense is in control of its movements and chooses where to go next.
So right away, we get a sense of suspense as a powerful, almost sentient force that operates according to its own rules.
With a Door
The second line of the poem is equally evocative: "With a Door." This is a surprising image, as it's not immediately clear what the door represents or how it relates to suspense. Is the door a metaphor for something else? Or is it a literal door that we're meant to picture in our minds?
One possible interpretation is that the door represents a threshold or a boundary between two states of being. When we're in a state of suspense, we're standing on one side of the door, waiting for something to happen on the other side. The door itself is a barrier that keeps us from knowing what's going on behind it.
But there's another layer to this image as well. A door can be both an entrance and an exit—it can lead us into a place we've never been before, or it can lead us back to where we started. In this way, the door symbolizes the potential for change and transformation that lies on the other side of suspense.
That Opes on Jehovah's Ball
The third line of the poem is perhaps the most enigmatic: "That Opes on Jehovah's Ball." Here, Dickinson seems to be suggesting that the door of suspense is not just any door, but a special kind of door that leads to a specific place. The word "opes" is an archaic form of "opens," and it suggests something grand and majestic. In this case, the door "opes on Jehovah's Ball," which is a reference to the celestial sphere or the heavens.
This image is both awe-inspiring and a little bit intimidating. The idea that suspense can lead us to the realm of the divine is both thrilling and humbling. It suggests that the stakes of suspense are higher than we might have thought—that what we're waiting for is not just a mundane event, but something that has cosmic significance.
That in the midst of All
The final line of the poem brings us back down to earth: "That in the midst of All." Here, Dickinson seems to be reminding us that even though suspense can lead us to the realm of the divine, it's still something that we experience in the midst of our everyday lives. We don't have to go to the ends of the earth to find suspense—it's all around us, in the things we do and the people we interact with.
But there's a sense of ambiguity here as well. When Dickinson says "All," what does she mean? Is she referring to all of humanity, or all of creation? Is she suggesting that suspense is something that exists in every corner of the universe, or just in our own little corner of it?
The answer is probably both. Suspense is a universal feeling that we all know, regardless of our race, gender, or culture. And yet, it's also a feeling that is deeply personal and subjective—what makes one person feel suspense might not have the same effect on someone else.
Interpretation
So what can we take away from this poem? What does it teach us about the nature of suspense and its impact on our lives?
One interpretation is that suspense is a force that both divides and unites us. On the one hand, it creates a sense of separation between the known and the unknown, the past and the future, the self and the other. We feel like we're standing on one side of a door, waiting for something to happen on the other side.
But on the other hand, suspense is also something that we all share in common. It's a feeling that transcends individual differences and connects us to the larger world around us. When we feel suspense, we're part of something bigger than ourselves—we're part of the human experience.
Another interpretation is that suspense is a gateway to the divine. When we feel suspense, we're on the cusp of something new and transformative. We're standing at the threshold of a door that leads us to a higher plane of existence, whether that's the realm of the gods or the realm of our own potential.
But there's also a warning in this interpretation. If suspense is a door that leads to the divine, then it's also a door that can be dangerous and destructive. When we open ourselves up to suspense, we're taking a risk—we're exposing ourselves to forces that we might not be able to control.
Conclusion
"I know Suspense—it steps so terse" is a poem that captures the feeling of suspense in all its complexity and power. Through her use of vivid imagery and enigmatic language, Emily Dickinson invites us to explore the nature of suspense and its impact on our lives.
Whether we see suspense as a force that divides or unites us, as a gateway to the divine or a dangerous threshold, one thing is clear: it's a feeling that we can never fully escape. It's always there, lurking behind the door, waiting for us to open it and step into the unknown.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
I know Suspense—it steps so terse is a classic poem written by the renowned American poet, Emily Dickinson. This poem is a perfect example of Dickinson's unique style of writing, which is characterized by its brevity, ambiguity, and depth. In this 12-line poem, Dickinson explores the theme of suspense and how it affects the human psyche. The poem is a masterpiece of literary art that has stood the test of time and continues to inspire readers to this day.
The poem begins with the line, "I know Suspense—it steps so terse," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The word "terse" means brief and to the point, which is precisely how suspense operates. Suspense is a feeling of anticipation or excitement that arises from uncertainty about what will happen next. It is a powerful emotion that can grip us and keep us on the edge of our seats.
Dickinson goes on to describe how suspense operates, saying, "And turns so weak away." This line suggests that suspense is a force that can weaken us, making us vulnerable to its power. It is a feeling that can be both exhilarating and terrifying at the same time. The use of the word "weak" in this line emphasizes the power of suspense and how it can affect us.
The next line of the poem reads, "Besides, Our amber"—which is a reference to the color of amber, which is a deep, rich, golden color. This line suggests that suspense is like a precious jewel that we hold onto tightly, treasuring its value. The use of the word "our" in this line suggests that suspense is something that we possess and that we value.
The following line reads, "Ourselves as well be seen." This line suggests that suspense is something that we wear on our sleeves, something that is visible to others. It is a feeling that we cannot hide, and it is something that others can see in us. The use of the word "ourselves" in this line emphasizes the personal nature of suspense and how it affects us as individuals.
The next line of the poem reads, "And yet, we could not spare the glow." This line suggests that despite the negative effects of suspense, we cannot help but be drawn to it. It is a feeling that we cannot resist, and it is something that we crave. The use of the word "glow" in this line emphasizes the positive aspects of suspense and how it can be a source of excitement and anticipation.
The final line of the poem reads, "Some deem it fine to die—" which is a reference to the idea that some people believe that the thrill of suspense is worth risking their lives for. This line suggests that suspense is a feeling that can be so powerful that it can override our sense of self-preservation. It is a feeling that can be so intense that we are willing to risk everything for it.
In conclusion, I know Suspense—it steps so terse is a classic poem that explores the theme of suspense and how it affects the human psyche. Through her use of language and imagery, Emily Dickinson captures the essence of suspense and how it can be both exhilarating and terrifying at the same time. This poem is a masterpiece of literary art that continues to inspire readers to this day. If you have not yet had the pleasure of reading this poem, I highly recommend that you do so. It is a work of art that is sure to leave a lasting impression on you.
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