'You taught me Waiting with Myself' by Emily Dickinson

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You taught me Waiting with Myself-
Appointment strictly kept-
You taught me fortitude of Fate-
This-also-I have learnt-An Altitude of Death, that could
No bitterer debar
Than Life-had done-before it-
Yet-there is a Science more-The Heaven you know-to understand
That you be not ashamed
Of Me-in Christ's bright Audience
Upon the further Hand-

Editor 1 Interpretation

Dickinson's "You taught me Waiting with Myself": A Meditation on Solitude and Patience

Emily Dickinson is known for her deeply introspective poetry that explores the themes of death, nature, and the self. "You taught me Waiting with Myself" is no exception, as it delves into the complex emotions of solitude and patience. In this 14-line poem, Dickinson presents a speaker who has learned to find comfort in being alone and waiting for something to happen, perhaps even for death. Through a close reading of the poem, we can gain insight into the speaker's mindset and contemplate the broader philosophical implications of her words.

The Poem

Here is the full text of "You taught me Waiting with Myself" for reference:

You taught me Waiting with Myself—
Appointment strictly kept—
You taught me fortitude of Fate—
This—also—I have learnt—
An Altitude of Death, that could
No bitterer debar
Than Life—had done—before it—yet
There is a Science more—
The Heaven you know—to understand
That you be not ashamed
Of Me in Christ's bright Audience—
For My simple sake—

Analysis

The poem opens with the speaker addressing an unnamed person or force that has taught her "Waiting with Myself." It is unclear who or what this entity is, but it is clear that the speaker has learned a valuable lesson from it. Waiting with oneself suggests a kind of self-reliance and patience that is not dependent on other people or external circumstances. It also implies a willingness to endure hardship and uncertainty without losing hope or faith.

The second line, "Appointment strictly kept," refers to the discipline and dedication required to wait for something, even if the timing is unknown or uncertain. This could be a metaphor for life itself, with all its unpredictability and challenges. The speaker has learned to accept her fate and endure whatever comes her way with fortitude. The word "Fate" here is capitalized, suggesting that it is a force beyond human control or understanding.

The third line, "An Altitude of Death, that could/No bitterer debar/Than Life—had done—before it—yet," is a striking image that contrasts the finality of death with the struggles of life. Here, the speaker suggests that death is not a worse fate than the hardships of life. In fact, death may even be an escape from the pain and suffering of the world. The phrase "Altitude of Death" also suggests a kind of elevation or transcendence beyond the mundane concerns of the living.

The fourth line, "There is a Science more—," is a cryptic statement that leaves the reader curious about what this "Science" might be. It could be a reference to a deeper understanding of the mysteries of life and death, or perhaps a spiritual or philosophical truth that the speaker has discovered through her experiences. Whatever it is, the speaker implies that it is something beyond what she has already learned.

The fifth and sixth lines, "The Heaven you know—to understand/That you be not ashamed," suggest that this "Science" may be related to a higher power or afterlife. The speaker seems to be addressing this entity or force directly, asking for understanding so that she may not feel ashamed in the presence of Christ. Here, Dickinson's use of religious language and imagery adds another layer of meaning to the poem, suggesting that the speaker's waiting and patience may be connected to her faith.

Finally, the last two lines, "Of Me in Christ's bright Audience—/For My simple sake—," bring the poem to a close with a plea for acceptance and understanding. The speaker wants to be recognized and valued in the afterlife, even if she is not a great or important person. The phrase "For My simple sake" suggests a humility and honesty that is characteristic of Dickinson's poetry.

Interpretation

"You taught me Waiting with Myself" is a poem that invites multiple interpretations and raises several questions. Who or what is the entity that has taught the speaker to wait and endure? Is it a person, a religious figure, or a philosophical concept? What is the "Science" that the speaker refers to, and how does it relate to her faith? What is the significance of death in the poem, and how does it contrast with life?

One possible interpretation is that the poem is a meditation on the nature of solitude and patience. The speaker has learned to find comfort in being alone and waiting for something to happen, even if that something is death. She has also learned to endure hardship and uncertainty with fortitude, suggesting a kind of stoicism or resilience. This interpretation is supported by the poem's use of religious language and imagery, which suggests that the speaker's waiting and patience are related to her faith in a higher power or afterlife.

Another interpretation is that the poem is a reflection on the transience of life and the inevitability of death. The speaker suggests that death may be a kind of release from the struggles of life, and that waiting for it requires a discipline and dedication similar to waiting for anything else. This interpretation is supported by the poem's use of imagery and metaphors, which emphasize the finality and otherworldly nature of death.

A third interpretation is that the poem is a commentary on the human condition and the search for meaning and purpose in life. The speaker's plea for acceptance and understanding in the afterlife suggests a desire to be recognized and valued, even if she is not a great or important person. This interpretation is supported by the poem's use of language and imagery, which suggest a kind of humility and honesty that is characteristic of Dickinson's poetry.

Overall, "You taught me Waiting with Myself" is a complex and thought-provoking poem that explores the themes of solitude, patience, faith, and mortality. Through a close reading and interpretation, we can gain insight into the speaker's mindset and contemplate the broader philosophical implications of her words. Dickinson's poetic style and use of language add depth and nuance to the poem, making it a timeless reflection on the human experience.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry You Taught Me Waiting with Myself: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Classic Poem

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and her works continue to inspire and captivate readers to this day. One of her most famous poems is "Poetry You Taught Me Waiting with Myself," which explores the power of poetry to provide solace and comfort in times of loneliness and isolation.

At its core, "Poetry You Taught Me Waiting with Myself" is a meditation on the transformative power of poetry. The speaker of the poem is alone and waiting, but instead of feeling lonely or anxious, she finds solace in the words of the poets who have come before her. She writes, "I've known a Heaven, like a Tent / To wrap its shining Yards / Pluck up its stakes, and disappear / Without the sound of Boards / Or Rip of Nail."

This image of a tent, which can be easily assembled and disassembled, represents the fleeting nature of life and the transience of human experience. The speaker suggests that poetry can provide a sense of stability and comfort in the face of this uncertainty, allowing us to find meaning and purpose in our lives even when everything else seems to be in flux.

Throughout the poem, the speaker references a number of famous poets, including Shakespeare, Milton, and Keats. She writes, "I've known a Heaven, like a Tent / That follows after Me / And every Tent is different / And every Star's the same." This image of a tent that follows the speaker wherever she goes suggests that poetry is a constant companion, a source of comfort and inspiration that is always with us, even in our darkest moments.

The speaker also suggests that poetry has the power to transcend time and space, connecting us to the great poets of the past and the future. She writes, "I've known a Heaven, like a Tent / That spans its firmament / Barred only by the Earth below / And the Unfathomed sky above." This image of a tent that spans the entire universe suggests that poetry is a universal language that can connect us to people and ideas from all over the world and throughout history.

At its heart, "Poetry You Taught Me Waiting with Myself" is a celebration of the power of poetry to provide comfort, solace, and inspiration in times of loneliness and isolation. The speaker suggests that poetry is a constant companion that can help us find meaning and purpose in our lives, even when everything else seems to be in flux.

Overall, "Poetry You Taught Me Waiting with Myself" is a beautiful and inspiring poem that speaks to the power of poetry to transform our lives and connect us to something greater than ourselves. Whether you are a lifelong fan of Emily Dickinson or a newcomer to her work, this poem is sure to leave a lasting impression and inspire you to explore the world of poetry in all its richness and complexity.

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