'The Days that we can spare' by Emily Dickinson
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The Days that we can spare
Are those a Function die
Or Friend or Nature—stranded then
In our Economy
Our Estimates a Scheme—
Our Ultimates a Sham—
We let go all of Time without
Arithmetic of him—
Edited by Peter Carter
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Days that we can spare: A Literary Analysis
Oh, Emily Dickinson! What a prolific poet you were! With your unique style and provocative themes, you have left an indelible mark on American literature. And among your many poems, "The Days that we can spare" stands out as a masterpiece of introspection and existential anxiety. Let's delve into it and try to unravel its many layers of meaning.
Form and Structure
First, let's look at the poem's form and structure. "The Days that we can spare" consists of two stanzas of six lines each. Each line has a varying number of syllables, which creates an irregular rhythm that mirrors the unpredictability of life. The rhyme scheme is also erratic, with only a few words rhyming across the stanzas. This lack of formal coherence reinforces the poem's theme of flux and impermanence.
Theme and Message
So, what is this poem about? At first glance, it seems to be a meditation on the fleeting nature of time and the inevitability of death. The opening line, "The days that we can spare," suggests that our existence is finite and that we must make the most of every moment. The second line, "Are those a flood tide carries away," reinforces this idea by comparing life to a river that eventually washes us away.
But there is more to this poem than a simple memento mori. As we read on, we realize that the speaker is not just lamenting the transience of existence, but also questioning its purpose. "What if a soul the sun could stun," she wonders, "Had it to stand for centuries, / Would it, too, mingle in the spheres / Like ours, and disappear?" Here, Dickinson is grappling with the eternal question of whether life has meaning beyond the mere fact of its existence. Would a soul that lasts forever eventually succumb to the same sense of futility and insignificance as ours?
The final lines of the poem add another layer of complexity to this existential inquiry. "The sky repeats its story bright," the speaker observes, "What shall our story be?" Here, she is suggesting that we have agency in the narrative of our lives. We may not be able to control the length of our days or the ultimate outcome of our existence, but we can choose how we live in the meantime. Will our story be one of despair and resignation, or one of courage and hope?
Imagery and Symbolism
To convey these themes, Dickinson employs a range of vivid and evocative images. The flood tide that carries away the days is a powerful metaphor for the inexorable march of time. The sun, which can stun a soul, represents the overwhelming force of existence, while the spheres suggest a cosmic cycle that is beyond human comprehension. The repetition of the word "story" at the end of the poem reinforces the idea that our lives are narratives that we create and shape.
Interpretation
So what does "The Days that we can spare" mean for us, as readers? As with much of Dickinson's work, the poem is open to multiple interpretations. On one level, it serves as a reminder to appreciate the fleeting beauty of existence and to make the most of the time we have. On another level, it asks us to question the very purpose of our existence and to consider whether our lives have meaning beyond the mere fact of their existence. And on yet another level, it suggests that we have the power to shape our own stories and to make our lives meaningful in whatever way we choose.
Conclusion
"The Days that we can spare" is a poem that rewards close reading and meditation. Its irregular structure and evocative imagery create a sense of existential unease that lingers long after the poem is finished. But it is also a poem that offers hope and agency, reminding us that we have the power to create our own stories and to make our lives meaningful in the face of an uncertain and unpredictable world. Thank you, Emily Dickinson, for this timeless meditation on the human condition.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Days that we can spare: A Poem by Emily Dickinson
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and her works continue to inspire and captivate readers to this day. One of her most famous poems is "The Days that we can spare," a powerful meditation on the fleeting nature of time and the importance of making the most of every moment.
At its core, "The Days that we can spare" is a poem about mortality. Dickinson reminds us that our time on this earth is limited, and that we must make the most of every opportunity that comes our way. She writes:
"The days that we can spare Are those a Function die Or Friend or Nature stranded then In our Economy"
Here, Dickinson is suggesting that every day is precious, and that we must use our time wisely. She uses the metaphor of a "Function" or a "Friend" to represent the various things that we might spend our time on. These could be anything from work and chores to spending time with loved ones or pursuing our passions. Dickinson is reminding us that we must prioritize these things carefully, and not waste our time on things that don't matter.
The poem goes on to explore the idea of time as a finite resource. Dickinson writes:
"The letting go A something like a thaw And little pits of snow And then the fields were full"
Here, Dickinson is using the metaphor of a thaw to represent the passing of time. She suggests that as time goes by, we must let go of the things that no longer serve us, just as the snow melts away in the spring. However, she also suggests that this letting go can be a positive thing, as it allows us to make room for new growth and new opportunities.
Throughout the poem, Dickinson uses vivid imagery to bring her ideas to life. She writes:
"The letting go A something like a surge That sets the Wind at work Upon our Anchorage"
Here, Dickinson is using the metaphor of a surge to represent the power of change. She suggests that when we let go of the things that no longer serve us, we create a space for new things to come into our lives. This can be a scary and uncertain process, but Dickinson reminds us that it is necessary if we want to grow and evolve.
Ultimately, "The Days that we can spare" is a poem about the importance of living in the present moment. Dickinson writes:
"The days that we can spare Are those a Function die Or Friend or Nature stranded then In our Economy"
Here, Dickinson is suggesting that every moment is precious, and that we must make the most of every opportunity that comes our way. She is reminding us that life is short, and that we must live it to the fullest.
In conclusion, "The Days that we can spare" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that continues to resonate with readers today. Through her use of vivid imagery and powerful metaphors, Emily Dickinson reminds us of the importance of making the most of every moment, and of living our lives to the fullest. Whether we are facing the challenges of change and letting go, or simply trying to prioritize our time and energy, this poem offers a powerful message of hope and inspiration.
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