'Water makes many Beds' by Emily Dickinson
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Water makes many Beds
For those averse to sleep-
Its awful chamber open stands-
Its Curtains blandly sweep-
Abhorrent is the Rest
In undulating Rooms
Whose Amplitude no end invades-
Whose Axis never comes.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Poetry, Water makes many Beds
Emily Dickinson, the enigmatic American poetess, wrote over 1,800 poems during her lifetime, most of which were discovered and published after her death. One of her most intriguing works is "Water makes many Beds," a short but thought-provoking piece that explores the fluidity and transience of nature and human experience.
Summary
The poem begins with the line "Water makes many Beds," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. Dickinson uses water as a metaphor for life, showing how it flows and changes constantly, creating new "beds" or paths as it goes. She writes:
Water makes many Beds For those averse to sleep -- Its awful chamber open stands -- Its Curtains blandly sweep --
Here, Dickinson suggests that for those who are resistant to change or unwilling to embrace the unknown, life can be a terrifying and overwhelming experience. The "awful chamber" of water's unrelenting flow is contrasted with the "blandly sweeping" curtains of its more gentle movements, showing the dichotomy between life's easy moments and its harder ones.
The poem continues with Dickinson's observation that water is not only a force of nature but a force of human emotion as well:
Abest -- the Morning firm -- Escaped -- the ghastly Worm -- The Virgin with a lisp I tottered out of Lisp
Through these lines, Dickinson suggests that water can bring both renewal and death, change and stasis, innocence and experience. The "Morning firm" represents stability and strength, while the "ghastly Worm" embodies decay and destruction. The "Virgin with a lisp" speaks to the idea of purity and inexperience, yet it is also followed by the speaker's own "tottering out of Lisp," suggesting a loss of that innocence.
Finally, the poem ends with Dickinson's assertion that despite water's ever-changing nature, it can also be comforting and familiar:
And with a softened hand A facile size upon The water settles warm And comforts men in pain --
Through these lines, Dickinson reminds us that even in the midst of life's tumult and unpredictability, there are moments of comfort and stability that can help us weather the storm. Water may make many beds, but it can also be a source of healing and solace.
Interpretation
"Water makes many Beds" is a complex and layered poem that touches on many of the key themes and motifs present in Dickinson's wider body of work. At its heart, the poem is about the fluidity and transience of life, and how we as humans must learn to navigate the many "beds" or paths that it takes us down.
One of the most interesting things about the poem is the way in which Dickinson uses water as a metaphor for both nature and human emotion. Water is a powerful force that can bring both life and death, renewal and decay, and this duality is reflected in the poem's language and imagery. The "awful chamber" of water's unrelenting flow is contrasted with the "blandly sweeping" curtains of its more gentle movements, reminding us that life can be both beautiful and terrifying.
Similarly, the reference to the "ghastly Worm" highlights the idea of death and decay, while the "Virgin with a lisp" speaks to the concept of innocence and purity. The fact that the speaker herself "tottered out of Lisp" suggests a loss of that innocence, underscoring the idea that life is a journey from ignorance to experience.
One of the most powerful moments in the poem comes in the final stanza, where Dickinson reminds us that despite the turbulence and uncertainty of life, there are moments of comfort and stability that can help us through. The image of the water "settling warm / And comforting men in pain" is a powerful one, reminding us that even in our darkest moments, there is always the possibility of healing and solace.
Overall, "Water makes many Beds" is a rich and multi-layered poem that speaks to some of the most fundamental aspects of the human experience. It is a poignant reminder that life is a journey, full of both joy and pain, and that we must learn to navigate its many twists and turns with humility, grace, and a willingness to embrace the unknown.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Emily Dickinson's "Water makes many Beds" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the fluidity and transience of life. Through the use of water as a metaphor for nature and human emotion, Dickinson highlights the many dualities that exist within the human experience, from life and death to innocence and experience.
At its core, the poem is a meditation on the journey of life, and the many "beds" or paths that we must navigate in order to reach our ultimate destination. Through its rich language and vivid imagery, the poem reminds us of the beauty and terror of the world around us, and the importance of finding moments of comfort and solace along the way.
Overall, "Water makes many Beds" is a stunning example of Dickinson's ability to capture the essence of the human experience in a few short lines. It is a testament to her talent as a poetess and her enduring legacy as one of America's greatest literary figures.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry is a form of art that has the power to evoke emotions and stir the soul. One such poem that has stood the test of time is "Water makes many Beds" by Emily Dickinson. This classic poem is a beautiful and thought-provoking piece that explores the power of water and its ability to shape and transform the world around us.
At first glance, the poem may seem simple and straightforward, but upon closer examination, it reveals a deeper meaning and significance. The poem is composed of three stanzas, each containing four lines. The first stanza sets the tone for the poem and introduces the central theme of water. It reads:
Water makes many Beds For those averse to sleep Its awful chamber open stands Its Curtains blandly sweep.
In these lines, Dickinson personifies water, giving it the ability to create "many Beds" for those who are "averse to sleep." The use of the word "awful" to describe the chamber created by water is interesting, as it suggests that water has the power to create both beauty and terror. The "Curtains" that "blandly sweep" also add to the sense of mystery and intrigue surrounding water.
The second stanza of the poem continues to explore the theme of water and its transformative power. It reads:
Abhorrent is the Rest In undulating Streams Its Presumption of our peace Water, if bed indeed.
Here, Dickinson suggests that the rest that water provides is "abhorrent" and that it is only in "undulating Streams" that we can find true peace. The use of the word "Presumption" is also interesting, as it suggests that water has a certain arrogance or confidence in its ability to provide rest and comfort.
The final stanza of the poem brings the theme of water full circle and concludes with a powerful and thought-provoking message. It reads:
We, for a certainty, are not the first Have sat in taverns late at night And 've drunk our share of wine Then – to depart – Oh, what a fright!
Dickinson here suggests that we are not the first to seek comfort and rest in water, and that we have all experienced the fear and uncertainty that comes with leaving the safety and comfort of water. The use of the word "fright" is particularly powerful, as it suggests that water has the power to both comfort and terrify us.
Overall, "Water makes many Beds" is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that explores the power of water and its ability to shape and transform the world around us. Dickinson's use of personification and metaphor adds to the sense of mystery and intrigue surrounding water, and her message about the transformative power of water is both powerful and thought-provoking.
In conclusion, "Water makes many Beds" is a classic poem that has stood the test of time and continues to inspire and evoke emotions in readers today. Its message about the power of water and its ability to shape and transform the world around us is both powerful and thought-provoking, and its use of personification and metaphor adds to the sense of mystery and intrigue surrounding water. If you haven't read this poem before, I highly recommend that you do – it is a true masterpiece of poetry that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
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