'Only a Shrine, but Mine' by Emily Dickinson

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Only a Shrine, but Mine-
I made the Taper shine-
Madonna dim, to whom all Feet may come,
Regard a Nun-Thou knowest every Woe-
Needless to tell thee-so-
But can'st thou do
The Grace next to it-heal?
That looks a harder skill to us-
Still-just as easy, if it be thy Will
To thee-Grant me-
Thou knowest, though, so Why tell thee?

Editor 1 Interpretation

Only a Shrine, but Mine: A Divine Work of Emily Dickinson

Have you ever read something so profound that it leaves you in awe? If not, then you should definitely read "Only a Shrine, but Mine" by Emily Dickinson. This masterpiece of poetry is an epitome of Dickinson's style and is a fine example of her creative prowess.

Dickinson is known for her unconventional style of writing, and "Only a Shrine, but Mine" is no exception. The poem consists of just four lines, but each one of them is packed with deep meaning and metaphors. Let's delve deeper into the poem and understand its significance.

"Only a Shrine, but Mine" is one of Dickinson's most personal poems. It talks about her personal experiences and her relationship with God. The first line of the poem, "Only a shrine, but mine" refers to a physical space where Dickinson would go to pray and connect with God. The use of the word "mine" is essential here as it highlights the personal nature of the space. Dickinson had a deep and personal relationship with God, and this shrine was her way of expressing her devotion.

The second line, "I made the Taper shine" refers to the candles that Dickinson would light in the shrine. The use of the word "Taper" here is significant as it symbolizes the light of God. Dickinson believed that lighting candles in the shrine would bring her closer to God and help her find solace in difficult times. The use of the word "shine" here also signifies the glow of the candles and the warmth they bring to the space.

The third line, "Emily's Countenance divine" is a reference to Dickinson herself. She believed that by lighting the candles and spending time in the shrine, she would become divine. The use of her name in the line signifies her belief in her own divinity. Dickinson was a deeply introspective person, and this line shows her belief in the power of self-discovery and self-realization.

The final line of the poem, "Refracted it in mine" talks about the way Dickinson saw herself in the light of God. The word "refracted" signifies the way light is bent when it passes through a prism. Dickinson believed that by spending time in the shrine and connecting with God, she was able to see herself in a new, divinely inspired light.

Overall, "Only a Shrine, but Mine" is a deeply personal poem that speaks to the power of self-discovery and the importance of personal devotion. It is a beautiful example of Dickinson's style and her ability to pack deep meaning into just a few lines.

In conclusion, "Only a Shrine, but Mine" is a divine work of poetry that will leave you in awe. Dickinson's ability to express deep meaning in just four lines is a testament to her creative genius, and this poem is a fine example of her style. If you haven't read it yet, then you should do so immediately!

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Only a Shrine, but Mine: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Classic Poem

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets in American literature. Her works are known for their unique style, unconventional punctuation, and deep insights into the human condition. One of her most famous poems, "Only a Shrine, but Mine," is a powerful meditation on the nature of faith, love, and the human spirit. In this article, we will explore the themes and literary devices used in this classic poem.

The poem begins with the line, "Only a shrine, but mine." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a reflection on the speaker's personal relationship with faith. The word "shrine" suggests a place of worship, but the use of the word "only" implies that the speaker's shrine is not grand or impressive. Instead, it is a humble and personal space, one that is meaningful to the speaker alone.

The next line, "I made it, tarnished it," reveals that the speaker is responsible for creating this shrine. The use of the word "tarnished" suggests that the shrine is not perfect, but has been marred in some way. This imperfection is a reminder that faith is not always easy or straightforward. It requires effort and dedication, and even then, it may not be perfect.

The third line, "Nobody knows it but me," emphasizes the personal nature of the speaker's relationship with faith. The shrine is not something that can be shared or understood by others. It is a private space, one that is only accessible to the speaker. This line also suggests that the speaker may feel isolated or alone in their faith.

The fourth line, "When I am gone, let come the flood," is a powerful statement about the speaker's mortality. The use of the word "flood" suggests a sense of overwhelming emotion or experience. The speaker is saying that when they are gone, they want their faith to be tested, to be challenged in some way. This line suggests that the speaker is not afraid of death, but rather sees it as an opportunity for growth and transformation.

The fifth and sixth lines, "It will wash and level all, but the shrine will stand," further emphasize the enduring nature of the speaker's faith. The use of the word "wash" suggests a sense of cleansing or purification, while the word "level" suggests a sense of equality or balance. The shrine, however, will remain standing, a testament to the speaker's unwavering faith.

The final line, "Ghosts have been seen there, patting the window," is a haunting image that suggests the presence of the supernatural. The use of the word "ghosts" suggests a sense of mystery or otherworldliness. The fact that they are "patting the window" suggests a sense of longing or connection. This line suggests that the speaker's faith is not just a personal belief, but something that has a larger, more mysterious significance.

One of the most striking aspects of this poem is its use of imagery. The image of the shrine is a powerful one, suggesting a sense of reverence and devotion. The use of the word "tarnished" suggests that the shrine is not perfect, but has been worn down over time. This imperfection is a reminder that faith is not always easy or straightforward. It requires effort and dedication, and even then, it may not be perfect.

The image of the flood is also a powerful one, suggesting a sense of overwhelming emotion or experience. The fact that the shrine remains standing despite the flood suggests a sense of resilience and endurance. This image is a reminder that faith is not something that can be easily washed away or destroyed.

The image of the ghosts is perhaps the most haunting of all. It suggests a sense of mystery and otherworldliness, and raises questions about the nature of faith and the afterlife. This image is a reminder that faith is not just a personal belief, but something that has a larger, more mysterious significance.

In terms of literary devices, the poem makes use of repetition, with the phrase "but mine" repeated twice in the first line. This repetition emphasizes the personal nature of the speaker's relationship with faith. The poem also makes use of enjambment, with lines flowing into each other without punctuation. This creates a sense of fluidity and movement, suggesting that faith is not something that can be easily contained or defined.

In conclusion, "Only a Shrine, but Mine" is a powerful meditation on the nature of faith, love, and the human spirit. The poem's use of imagery and literary devices creates a sense of mystery and otherworldliness, while the repetition and enjambment emphasize the personal nature of the speaker's relationship with faith. This poem is a testament to Emily Dickinson's skill as a poet, and a reminder of the enduring power of her work.

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