'I make His Crescent fill or lack' by Emily Dickinson

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I make His Crescent fill or lack-
His Nature is at Full
Or Quarter-as I signify-
His Tides-do I control-He holds superior in the Sky
Or gropes, at my Command
Behind inferior Clouds-or round
A Mist's slow Colonnade-But since We hold a Mutual Disc-
And front a Mutual Day-
Which is the Despot, neither knows-
Nor Whose-the Tyranny-

Editor 1 Interpretation

"I make His Crescent fill or lack" by Emily Dickinson

Are you familiar with Emily Dickinson's poetry? If not, you have been missing out on some of the most profound writing in American literature. Dickinson's poems are known for their unconventional syntax, vivid imagery, and profound insights into the human condition. One of her lesser-known works is "I make His Crescent fill or lack," a poem that explores the relationship between the individual and the divine.

Overview

"I make His Crescent fill or lack" is a short poem consisting of four stanzas of four lines each. The poem is written in Dickinson's typical style, with irregular meter and rhyme. The poem's central image is the crescent moon, which symbolizes the divine presence. The speaker of the poem claims to have the power to make the moon wax and wane, suggesting that she has the power to control the divine. However, the final stanza suggests that this power is illusory, and that the speaker is ultimately subject to the whims of the divine.

Analysis

The poem begins with the line "I make His Crescent fill or lack," which immediately establishes the speaker's claim to power over the divine. The use of the word "make" suggests that the speaker is actively manipulating the crescent moon, rather than simply observing it. The word "His" suggests that the moon is a symbol of the divine, which the speaker is able to manipulate.

The second stanza expands on this idea, with the speaker claiming that she can "interdict the Sun." This line suggests that the speaker has even greater power over the natural world, and that she can control the movements of the sun. However, the final line of the stanza, "and thwart the Dominant sky," suggests that the speaker's power is limited, and that she is ultimately subject to the laws of the universe.

The third stanza continues this theme of limited power, with the speaker claiming that she can "tame the Seas" and "wrestle with the Wind." These lines suggest that the speaker has the power to control natural forces, but that this power is hard-won and requires great effort. The final line of the stanza, "Yet easier than the Snow," suggests that the speaker's power is ultimately illusory, and that she is not able to control everything.

The final stanza brings the poem to a close with the lines "He lasts with but a day or two, / If I don't look at him." These lines suggest that the crescent moon, which has been the central image of the poem, is ultimately fleeting and ephemeral. The speaker's claim to power over the moon is thus shown to be illusory, and she is ultimately subject to the whims of the divine.

Interpretation

"I make His Crescent fill or lack" is a deeply philosophical poem that explores the relationship between the individual and the divine. The poem suggests that the human desire to control the natural world is ultimately futile, and that we are subject to forces that are beyond our control. The poem is a meditation on the limits of human power, and a reminder of the importance of humility in the face of the divine.

The poem can also be read as a critique of the scientific worldview, which seeks to explain the natural world in purely mechanical terms. The speaker's claim to power over the natural world is a reminder that there are forces that are beyond our understanding, and that the universe is not simply a machine that can be controlled by human beings.

Conclusion

"I make His Crescent fill or lack" is a profound and thought-provoking poem that explores the limits of human power and the relationship between the individual and the divine. The poem is a reminder of the importance of humility and the limits of human knowledge, and a critique of the scientific worldview that seeks to explain everything in mechanistic terms. If you are not familiar with Emily Dickinson's poetry, this poem is a great place to start.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and her poem "I make His Crescent fill or lack" is a perfect example of her unique style and ability to convey complex emotions through simple yet powerful language. In this 14-line poem, Dickinson explores the relationship between the moon and the speaker's lover, using vivid imagery and metaphors to create a sense of longing and desire.

The poem begins with the speaker declaring that they have the power to control the moon's shape, saying "I make His Crescent fill or lack - / His Nature is at Full." This opening line immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as the speaker asserts their power over the natural world and their lover's emotions. The use of the word "His" to refer to the moon and the lover is significant, as it suggests that the two are intimately connected in the speaker's mind.

As the poem continues, the speaker describes the moon as "a little Moth" that is drawn to their lover's light. This metaphor is both beautiful and poignant, as it suggests that the speaker's lover is a source of warmth and comfort for the moon, just as they are for the speaker. The use of the word "Moth" also implies a sense of fragility and vulnerability, as if the moon is in danger of being consumed by the lover's light.

The next few lines of the poem are perhaps the most striking, as the speaker describes their lover's eyes as "Two pointed Hills" that the moon must climb in order to reach them. This metaphor is both sensual and powerful, as it suggests that the lover's eyes are a kind of gateway to their soul. The use of the word "pointed" also implies a sense of danger or risk, as if the moon is taking a perilous journey to reach the speaker's lover.

The final lines of the poem bring everything together, as the speaker declares that they will continue to control the moon's shape in order to keep their lover close. "Till He with Thee - / Shall peer in Glory back," they say, implying that the lover and the moon will one day be reunited in some kind of celestial union. The use of the word "Glory" is significant here, as it suggests that the speaker's love for their lover is something sacred and divine.

Overall, "I make His Crescent fill or lack" is a beautiful and powerful poem that explores the complex emotions of love and desire. Through her use of vivid imagery and metaphors, Emily Dickinson creates a sense of intimacy and longing that is both timeless and universal. Whether you are a fan of poetry or simply someone who appreciates beautiful language, this poem is sure to leave a lasting impression.

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