'At leisure is the Soul' by Emily Dickinson

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At leisure is the Soul
That gets a Staggering Blow-
The Width of Life-before it spreads
Without a thing to do-It begs you give it Work-
But just the placing Pins-
Or humblest Patchwork-Children do-
To Help its Vacant Hands-

Editor 1 Interpretation

At leisure is the Soul: A Deep Dive into Emily Dickinson's Poetry

Have you ever come across a poem that speaks directly to your soul? A poem that resonates with you on multiple levels and makes you pause and think about life? For me, that poem is "At leisure is the Soul" by Emily Dickinson.

Emily Dickinson, an American poet who lived from 1830 to 1886, is known for her unique writing style and her exploration of themes such as death, love, and nature. Her poems often feature unconventional punctuation and capitalization, and her use of slant rhyme and metaphorical language adds depth and complexity to her work.

"At leisure is the Soul" is a short poem that consists of only four lines:

At leisure is the Soul
That gets a Staggering Blow —
The Width of Life — before it —
The Depth of Life — behind —

On the surface, the poem seems simple, but upon closer inspection, it reveals a deeper meaning about the human experience.

First, let's look at the title: "At leisure is the Soul." What does that mean? To me, it suggests a state of being where one is free from the constraints of everyday life and can fully immerse themselves in their thoughts and emotions. It's a moment of pause, a chance to reflect and introspect.

The first line of the poem, "At leisure is the Soul," reinforces this idea. The word "leisure" implies a sense of calm and relaxation, which is juxtaposed with the next line, "That gets a Staggering Blow." This sudden shift in tone is jarring and unexpected, but it also captures the idea that life can be unpredictable and full of surprises.

The phrase "Staggering Blow" suggests a physical or emotional trauma, something that knocks us off our feet and leaves us reeling. It's a moment of crisis, a turning point that can change the course of our lives.

The next two lines of the poem, "The Width of Life — before it — / The Depth of Life — behind —" expand on this idea. The "Width of Life" refers to the future, the vast expanse of possibilities that lies ahead of us. It's a reminder that life is full of unknowns, and we can never truly predict what will happen next.

On the other hand, "The Depth of Life — behind —" refers to the past, to the experiences and memories that have shaped us into who we are today. It's a reminder that our past can never truly be erased, and that we carry it with us wherever we go.

Taken together, these four lines paint a picture of the human experience – a journey full of highs and lows, of joy and sorrow, of hope and despair. It's a reminder that life is unpredictable, but also full of beauty and meaning.

But what does all of this mean for us as readers? Why should we care about this poem, or any poem for that matter? I believe that poetry has the power to connect us to our emotions and to each other in a way that nothing else can. It reminds us of our shared humanity, of the fact that we all experience joy and pain and everything in between.

In "At leisure is the Soul," Emily Dickinson captures this essence of the human experience with her use of metaphorical language and unconventional punctuation. She reminds us that life is full of surprises, but that we also have the power to embrace them and find meaning in them.

So the next time life throws you a "Staggering Blow," remember this poem and take a moment to pause and reflect. Allow yourself to feel the full range of emotions that come with the journey of life, and know that you are not alone in your experiences.

At leisure is the Soul.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry At leisure is the Soul: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Classic Poem

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, known for her unique style and ability to capture the essence of life in her works. Her poem, "Poetry At leisure is the Soul," is a classic example of her talent and has been studied and analyzed by scholars and poetry enthusiasts alike for decades. In this article, we will delve into the meaning and significance of this timeless piece of literature.

The poem begins with the line, "Poetry at leisure is the soul," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the work. Dickinson is suggesting that poetry is not something that can be rushed or forced, but rather something that must be allowed to flow naturally from the soul. This idea is reinforced in the second line, which reads, "It is the leisure of the soul." Here, Dickinson is emphasizing the importance of taking time to reflect and contemplate, allowing the soul to rest and rejuvenate.

The third line of the poem, "It is the leisure of the mind," further emphasizes the importance of taking time to think and reflect. Dickinson is suggesting that poetry is not just a product of the soul, but also of the mind. It is through careful consideration and contemplation that one is able to create truly meaningful and impactful poetry.

The fourth line of the poem, "It is the leisure of the spirit," takes the idea of leisure one step further. Dickinson is suggesting that poetry is not just a product of the soul and mind, but also of the spirit. This line speaks to the idea that poetry is not just a mental exercise, but also a spiritual one. It is through connecting with one's innermost self that one is able to create truly powerful and meaningful poetry.

The fifth line of the poem, "It is the leisure of the heart," brings the idea of leisure full circle. Dickinson is suggesting that poetry is not just a product of the soul, mind, and spirit, but also of the heart. It is through connecting with one's emotions and feelings that one is able to create poetry that truly resonates with others.

The sixth and final line of the poem, "It is the leisure of the love," brings all of these ideas together. Dickinson is suggesting that poetry is not just a product of the soul, mind, spirit, and heart, but also of love. It is through connecting with one's love for life, for others, and for oneself that one is able to create poetry that is truly transcendent.

Overall, "Poetry At leisure is the Soul" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that speaks to the importance of taking time to reflect and connect with one's innermost self. Dickinson's use of language and imagery is masterful, and her ability to capture the essence of life in just six lines is truly remarkable. This poem is a testament to the power of poetry and the importance of taking time to nurture one's soul, mind, spirit, heart, and love.

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