'It rises—passes—on our South' by Emily Dickinson
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It rises—passes—on our South
Inscribes a simple Noon—
Cajoles a Moment with the Spires
And infinite is gone—
Edited by Peter Carter
Editor 1 Interpretation
It rises—passes—on our South: A Deep Dive into Emily Dickinson's Poem
Emily Dickinson is known for her enigmatic poems that often leave readers with more questions than answers. Her poem, "It rises—passes—on our South," is no exception. In this 12-line poem, Dickinson explores themes of nature, time, and the cycle of life and death. Let's take a closer look at this poem and try to unravel its mysteries.
The Poem
It rises—passes—on our South
And its' "Record" for Redness—
That guarantees its' Sun—
Its' Sight—To Our Sight—
Ornamental Red—
Gold—
The "Eye prefers" above its own—
Almost—exact—
But add the Color—that no Man can shut—
Nature's own Cosecant—
Rival—
Emerald—
It waits upon the Lawn—
It shows the furthest Tree
Upon the furthest Slope we know—
It almost speaks to you.
The Structure and Interpretation
The poem has a simple structure, with three stanzas of four lines each. The first stanza sets the scene and introduces the subject matter of the poem: the rising and passing of something on the southern horizon. The second stanza describes the object's color and beauty, using ornamental red and gold to create an image of a beautiful sunrise or sunset. The third stanza describes the object's presence and its ability to communicate with the viewer.
The object in question is likely the sun, rising and setting on the southern horizon. The poem's structure, with its short, simple lines, creates a sense of rhythm and repetition that echoes the cyclical nature of the sun's movements. The repetition of "It rises—passes—on our South" reinforces this sense of cycle and rhythm, while the repeated use of the word "red" and the description of the object as "ornamental" suggests a sense of beauty and artistry in nature.
The poem's central image of the sun rising and setting on the southern horizon is a metaphor for the cycle of life and death. The sun's daily rise and set mirrors the birth and death of every living thing, and the poem's emphasis on the beauty and ornamental nature of this cycle suggests that Dickinson saw beauty in the inevitability of death and rebirth.
The Themes
The poem explores several themes, including:
Nature
The natural world is a central theme in many of Dickinson's poems, and "It rises—passes—on our South" is no exception. The poem's focus on the rising and setting of the sun suggests a deep appreciation for the rhythms of the natural world and the beauty of the natural landscape.
Time
The cyclical nature of the sun's movements suggests an interest in time and its passage. Dickinson's emphasis on the beauty of this cycle suggests a comfort with the inevitability of change and the passage of time.
Life and Death
The sun's daily rise and set mirrors the cycle of life and death, and the poem's emphasis on the beauty and ornamental nature of this cycle suggests a sense of acceptance and even celebration of the inevitability of death and rebirth.
Perception and Communication
The poem's description of the object's ability to communicate with the viewer suggests an interest in perception and how we perceive the natural world. The object almost seems to speak to the viewer, highlighting the deep connection between humans and the natural world.
The Interpretation
So, what does it all mean? "It rises—passes—on our South" is a complex and enigmatic poem, but ultimately, it seems to be a celebration of the beauty and rhythms of the natural world. The sun's daily rise and set mirrors the cycle of life and death, and Dickinson seems to find beauty in this cycle. The poem's emphasis on the ornamental nature of the natural world suggests that Dickinson saw the natural world as a work of art, something to be appreciated and celebrated.
The poem also touches on themes of perception and communication. The object almost seems to speak to the viewer, highlighting the deep connection between humans and the natural world. This suggests a sense of interconnectedness and interdependence between humans and nature, a theme that runs through much of Dickinson's work.
Conclusion
"It rises—passes—on our South" is a beautiful and enigmatic poem that explores themes of nature, time, and the cycle of life and death. Dickinson's use of simple, repetitive language creates a sense of rhythm and repetition that mirrors the cyclical movements of the sun. The poem's emphasis on the beauty and artistry of the natural world suggests a deep appreciation for the rhythms of nature and the inevitability of change. Ultimately, "It rises—passes—on our South" is a celebration of the beauty and interconnectedness of the natural world, and a reminder of the deep connection between humans and the natural world.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
It Rises—Passes—On Our South: A Poetic Masterpiece by Emily Dickinson
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and her works continue to inspire and captivate readers even today. Among her many masterpieces is the poem "It Rises—Passes—On Our South," which is a beautiful and thought-provoking piece that explores the themes of nature, time, and mortality. In this article, we will take a closer look at this classic poem and analyze its meaning and significance.
The poem begins with the line "It rises—passes—on our South," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The use of the word "it" is intentionally vague, leaving the reader to wonder what exactly is rising and passing. However, the use of the directional reference "on our South" gives us a clue that the subject of the poem is likely something in the natural world.
As we continue reading, we see that the poem is describing the movement of a flock of birds. Dickinson writes, "The birds beneath—without a sound / Their banners just divide." This imagery is incredibly vivid and evocative, painting a picture of a group of birds flying in perfect formation, their wings beating in unison as they soar through the sky.
The use of the word "banners" is particularly interesting, as it suggests that the birds are on some sort of mission or journey. The fact that they are flying "without a sound" adds to the sense of mystery and wonder surrounding them. It's almost as if they are a secret society, moving silently through the world without anyone noticing.
As the poem continues, Dickinson explores the idea of time and how it affects the natural world. She writes, "An hour ago, the south sun / Set oil upon their beaks and breast / And now, they shine as if they soon / Would burn us to our rest." This passage is particularly poignant, as it highlights the fleeting nature of time and how quickly things can change.
Just an hour ago, the birds were basking in the warm glow of the setting sun, but now they are shining so brightly that they seem almost otherworldly. The use of the word "burn" is also interesting, as it suggests that the birds are so bright and intense that they could potentially cause harm or destruction.
The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful, as Dickinson brings the themes of nature, time, and mortality together in a stunning conclusion. She writes, "And now they beat a homeward wing / The valley holds its breath / The robin starts a single strain / The orchard interrupts / And now they're covered safely in / Their fortress overhead / And all the time, the stone looks down / And mourning for the dead."
This passage is incredibly moving, as it describes the birds returning to their home and finding safety in their "fortress overhead." The use of the word "fortress" is interesting, as it suggests that the birds are protected and secure in their natural habitat. However, the final line of the poem is perhaps the most poignant, as it suggests that even in the midst of life and vitality, there is always a sense of mourning and loss.
The use of the word "stone" is particularly powerful, as it suggests a sense of permanence and solidity. The stone is a symbol of the natural world, and its mourning for the dead suggests that even in the midst of life, there is always a sense of loss and sadness.
Overall, "It Rises—Passes—On Our South" is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that explores some of the most fundamental themes of human existence. Dickinson's use of vivid imagery and powerful language creates a sense of wonder and awe, while also highlighting the fleeting nature of time and the inevitability of mortality. This poem is a true masterpiece of poetic expression, and it continues to inspire and captivate readers even today.
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