'We do not know the time we lose-' by Emily Dickinson
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We do not know the time we lose-
The awful moment is
And takes its fundamental place
Among the certainties-A firm appearance still inflates
The card-the chance-the friend-
The spectre of solidities
Whose substances are sand-
Editor 1 Interpretation
We do not know the time we lose by Emily Dickinson: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
If there is one thing that Emily Dickinson is known for, it is her ability to capture the complexities of human emotions and experiences in her poems. "We do not know the time we lose" is no exception. Written in Dickinson's signature style, this poem is a meditation on the passage of time and the fleeting nature of life. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will analyze the various elements of the poem, including its form, imagery, and themes, to gain a deeper understanding of Dickinson's message.
Form and Structure
One of the first things that strikes the reader about "We do not know the time we lose" is its form. The poem consists of three stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABCB, which means that the second and fourth lines of each stanza rhyme with each other. This simple structure is characteristic of Dickinson's poetry, which often eschews traditional forms in favor of more experimental structures.
But the form of the poem is not just a matter of aesthetic choice. The ABAB rhyme scheme creates a sense of closure at the end of each stanza, while the repetition of the second and fourth lines creates a sense of continuity and reinforces the poem's central theme of time. The use of quatrains also gives the poem a sense of symmetry and balance, which is appropriate given its focus on the cyclical nature of time.
Imagery and Language
One of the most striking elements of "We do not know the time we lose" is its use of imagery. Throughout the poem, Dickinson uses vivid and often unexpected imagery to convey her ideas. For example, in the first stanza, she compares time to a thief who steals our moments without us even realizing it:
We do not know the time we lose -
The untold want by life denied,
The subtle commerce of the skies,
The whispered promise that is not fulfilled.
Here, time is personified as a thief who robs us of the experiences and opportunities that we never even knew we wanted. This image is both poignant and unsettling, as it forces us to confront the idea that we are constantly losing time without even realizing it.
In the second stanza, Dickinson shifts her focus to the natural world, using the imagery of the changing seasons to illustrate the passage of time:
So waste not, life, in doubts and fears,
But let thy heart be stout and bold,
And keep the faith that triumphs over fears,
And see the spring return.
Here, the changing of the seasons serves as a metaphor for the cyclical nature of life. Just as the earth experiences the ebb and flow of the seasons, so too do we experience the cycles of birth, growth, decay, and death. But Dickinson urges us not to waste our lives in fear and doubt, but to embrace the inevitability of change and find the courage to face it head-on.
Finally, in the third stanza, Dickinson uses the image of the sun setting to convey the idea that time is constantly slipping away from us:
The sunset like a breath exhaled,
And darkness creeps in like a thief,
And stars, in their orbits,
Illuminate the universe.
Here, the sunset represents the fleeting nature of life, while the darkness and the stars serve as reminders of the vastness of the universe in which we exist. Once again, Dickinson is urging us to confront our mortality and to appreciate the beauty and wonder of the world around us before our time runs out.
Themes
At its core, "We do not know the time we lose" is a meditation on the passage of time and the fleeting nature of life. Dickinson uses imagery and language to convey the idea that time is constantly slipping away from us, and that we must make the most of the moments that we have. But the poem is also about the importance of living in the present moment and finding meaning in the world around us.
One of the key themes of the poem is the idea that life is full of missed opportunities. Dickinson suggests that we often fail to appreciate the small moments in life that make it worth living, and that we are constantly losing time without even realizing it. But she also suggests that it is never too late to start living in the present moment and making the most of our time.
Another theme of the poem is the idea that life is cyclical. Dickinson uses the changing of the seasons and the movement of the stars to illustrate the idea that everything in life has its own rhythm and cycle. But she also suggests that we have the power to break out of these cycles and create our own destiny.
Conclusion
"We do not know the time we lose" is a poignant and thought-provoking poem that captures the essence of Emily Dickinson's unique style. Through her use of vivid imagery and language, she conveys the idea that time is constantly slipping away from us, and that we must make the most of the moments that we have. But she also suggests that life is full of missed opportunities and that we must find the courage to break out of our cycles and create our own destiny. Ultimately, the poem is a call to action, urging us to embrace the present moment and find meaning in the world around us before our time runs out.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry is a form of art that has the power to evoke emotions, stir the soul, and inspire the mind. Emily Dickinson, one of the most celebrated poets of all time, has left behind a legacy of poems that continue to captivate readers to this day. One such poem is "We do not know the time we lose," a profound and thought-provoking piece that explores the fleeting nature of time and the importance of living in the present moment.
At its core, "We do not know the time we lose" is a meditation on the transience of life. Dickinson begins the poem by stating that "We do not know the time we lose," suggesting that time is something that slips away from us without our even realizing it. This sentiment is echoed in the second line, where she writes, "The awful moment is always just upon us." Here, Dickinson is emphasizing the idea that time is always ticking away, and that we are constantly on the brink of losing it.
The poem then takes a turn, as Dickinson shifts her focus to the present moment. She writes, "It is our own, / When diamonds are a legend." Here, she is suggesting that the present moment is a precious and valuable thing, more valuable than even the most precious of gems. The use of the word "legend" is particularly interesting, as it suggests that diamonds are something that is talked about and revered, but not necessarily experienced. In contrast, the present moment is something that we can experience and cherish in real time.
Dickinson then goes on to describe the present moment in more detail, writing, "And if I don't forget / To take my portion of the dew / We would not know when to die." Here, she is suggesting that the present moment is like the dew on the grass, something that is fleeting and ephemeral, but also beautiful and precious. By taking our "portion" of the dew, we are living in the present moment and savoring the beauty of life. And by doing so, we are able to fully appreciate the value of time and the importance of living in the moment.
The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful. Dickinson writes, "The recurring event / Is furnished me again. / It just prepared itself / And waits my arrow's aim." Here, she is suggesting that the present moment is something that is constantly being renewed and refreshed, and that we have the power to shape it and make it our own. The use of the word "arrow's aim" is particularly interesting, as it suggests that we have a responsibility to make the most of the present moment and to use it wisely.
Overall, "We do not know the time we lose" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that encourages us to live in the present moment and to appreciate the fleeting nature of time. Through her use of vivid imagery and powerful language, Emily Dickinson reminds us that life is precious and that we should make the most of every moment. Whether we are savoring the dew on the grass or aiming our arrow at the future, we should always remember that time is a gift, and that we should use it wisely.
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