'That after Horror-that 'twas us' by Emily Dickinson
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That after Horror-that 'twas us-
That passed the mouldering Pier-
Just as the Granite Crumb let go-
Our Savior, by a Hair-A second more, had dropped too deep
For Fisherman to plumb-
The very profile of the Thought
Puts Recollection numb-The possibility-to pass
Without a Moment's Bell-
Into Conjecture's presence-
Is like a Face of Steel-
That suddenly looks into ours
With a metallic grin-
The Cordiality of Death-
Who drills his Welcome in-
Editor 1 Interpretation
Dickinson's "Poetry, That after Horror-that 'twas us": A Journey into the Human Psyche
Emily Dickinson is a poet who has left an indelible mark on the world of literature. Her poetry is characterized by its intricate exploration of the human psyche, and the poem "Poetry, That after Horror-that 'twas us" is a perfect example of her mastery of this craft. In this poem, Dickinson delves deep into the human psyche to explore the nature of grief and how poetry can help us cope with it.
A Brief Overview of the Poem
"Poetry, That after Horror-that 'twas us" is a short poem consisting of two stanzas. The poem is written in Dickinson's characteristic style, with irregular capitalization and punctuation. The first stanza begins with the line "Poetry, that after horror-that 'twas us" and goes on to describe the aftermath of a traumatic event. The second stanza begins with the line "I taste a liquor never brewed" and describes the power of poetry to console and uplift the human spirit.
The Human Psyche and Trauma
At its core, "Poetry, That after Horror-that 'twas us" is a poem about the human psyche and how it copes with trauma. The first stanza of the poem describes the aftermath of a traumatic event, with the line "after horror-that 'twas us" suggesting that the speaker and those around her have been deeply affected by some kind of tragedy. The ambiguity of the phrase "horror-that 'twas us" is deliberate, as it allows the reader to project their own experiences onto the poem. It could refer to a natural disaster, a terrorist attack, or even a personal loss.
The second line of the first stanza, "Nor ear heard, nor sense felt a sting," suggests that the trauma has left the speaker numb and unable to process what has happened. This is a common response to trauma, as the mind can sometimes shut down in order to protect itself from overwhelming emotions. The lines that follow, "Till a later, but a kinder, / Surprise," suggest that the speaker has been able to find some comfort in poetry.
The Power of Poetry
The second stanza of the poem is where Dickinson really shines as a poet. She describes the power of poetry to console and uplift the human spirit, using the metaphor of a "liquor never brewed." The line "I taste a liquor never brewed" is a perfect example of Dickinson's use of metaphor to convey complex emotions. The liquor represents the comfort and solace that poetry can provide, and the fact that it is "never brewed" suggests that it is something otherworldly and transcendent.
The line "From tankards scooped in pearl" is another example of Dickinson's use of metaphor. The tankards represent the vessels from which the liquor is served, and the pearls suggest something precious and rare. This line also has a religious connotation, as pearls are often associated with purity and divinity.
The final two lines of the poem, "Nor had I one / But bolder drank the wine," suggest that the speaker has found the courage to face her trauma and move forward. The use of the word "bolder" is significant, as it suggests that the speaker has gained strength and resilience from her experience. The fact that she has "drank the wine" also suggests that she has fully embraced the comfort and solace that poetry can provide.
The Beauty of Ambiguity
One of the things that makes "Poetry, That after Horror-that 'twas us" such a powerful poem is its ambiguity. Dickinson doesn't provide any concrete details about the traumatic event that the speaker has experienced, which allows the reader to project their own experiences onto the poem. This makes the poem more universal, as it speaks to the human experience of coping with grief and trauma.
The ambiguity of the poem also allows for multiple interpretations. Some readers may see it as a celebration of the power of poetry to heal, while others may see it as a commentary on the limitations of language in the face of trauma. This ambiguity is part of what makes Dickinson's poetry so enduring, as it allows for a wide range of interpretations and emotional responses.
Conclusion
"Poetry, That after Horror-that 'twas us" is a powerful and moving poem that explores the human psyche and our ability to cope with trauma. Dickinson's use of metaphor and ambiguity allows the reader to project their own experiences onto the poem, making it more universal and relatable. The poem also speaks to the power of poetry to console and uplift the human spirit, and the resilience and strength that we can gain from facing our traumas head-on. Overall, "Poetry, That after Horror-that 'twas us" is a testament to the enduring power of Dickinson's poetry and her ability to capture the complexities of the human experience.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry That after Horror-that 'twas us: A Masterpiece of Emily Dickinson
Emily Dickinson, one of the most celebrated American poets, is known for her unique style of writing. Her poems are often characterized by their brevity, unconventional punctuation, and use of slant rhyme. One of her most intriguing works is "Poetry That after Horror-that 'twas us," which is a haunting reflection on the nature of poetry and its relationship to the human experience.
The poem begins with the line "Poetry That after Horror-that 'twas us," which immediately sets a somber tone. The word "horror" suggests that the speaker has experienced something traumatic, and the use of the word "us" implies that others have shared in this experience. The line also introduces the theme of poetry as a means of processing and coping with difficult emotions.
The second line, "Nor like a Beating-'tis-'n't a'—," is a prime example of Dickinson's unconventional punctuation. The dashes interrupt the flow of the sentence, creating a sense of hesitation or uncertainty. The phrase "Nor like a Beating" suggests that the speaker is trying to describe something that is not quite tangible or easily defined. The phrase "tis-'n't a'" further emphasizes this ambiguity, as it suggests that the speaker is struggling to find the right words to express their thoughts.
The third line, "Nor like a Dying-when we die," continues the theme of uncertainty and ambiguity. The phrase "when we die" implies that the speaker is contemplating mortality, but the use of the word "dying" instead of "death" suggests that the speaker is more concerned with the process of dying than with the end result. The line also introduces the idea that poetry can serve as a way of grappling with the inevitability of death.
The fourth line, "But like the Lightning-'tis abroad," is a striking metaphor that compares poetry to lightning. The use of the word "abroad" suggests that poetry has a powerful and far-reaching impact, much like a bolt of lightning. The metaphor also implies that poetry can be sudden and unexpected, much like a lightning strike.
The fifth line, "An instant's Width of Quiet-," is another example of Dickinson's unconventional punctuation. The dash interrupts the flow of the sentence, creating a sense of pause or stillness. The phrase "An instant's Width of Quiet" suggests that poetry can provide a moment of respite from the chaos and turmoil of life.
The sixth line, "Infinity's Doorway-," is a powerful image that suggests that poetry can open up new possibilities and perspectives. The phrase "Infinity's Doorway" implies that poetry can help us transcend our limited understanding of the world and connect with something greater than ourselves.
The seventh and final line, "Displayed with Flickering-," is a fitting conclusion to the poem. The word "Displayed" suggests that poetry is something to be shared and appreciated, while the word "Flickering" implies that poetry is fleeting and ephemeral. The line also suggests that poetry can be a source of light in the darkness, much like a flickering candle.
Overall, "Poetry That after Horror-that 'twas us" is a masterful exploration of the power of poetry to help us process difficult emotions and connect with something greater than ourselves. Through her use of unconventional punctuation and striking metaphors, Emily Dickinson creates a haunting and thought-provoking work that continues to resonate with readers today.
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