'When I count the seeds' by Emily Dickinson

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When I count the seeds
That are sown beneath,
To bloom so, bye and bye-When I con the people
Lain so low,
To be received as high-When I believe the garden
Mortal shall not see-
Pick by faith its blossom
And avoid its Bee,
I can spare this summer, unreluctantly.

Editor 1 Interpretation

When I Count the Seeds: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Oh, Emily Dickinson! How can one not be excited to delve into the depths of her poetry? Her words are like a key that unlocks the door to one's soul. And among her many works, "When I count the seeds" stands out as a poignant and evocative piece that speaks to the power of nature and the human spirit.

The Poem: A Close Reading

Let us begin by examining the poem closely:

When I count the seeds
That are sown beneath,
To bloom so, bye and bye,
When I con the people
Laid out in rows,
To die, oh, how, die?

Planting seeds is a common practice in agriculture, and the first line of the poem immediately conjures an image of someone counting the seeds that have been sown in the earth. However, as the poem progresses, it becomes clear that the speaker is not just concerned with the physical act of planting seeds, but with the metaphorical implications of this act.

The second line introduces the idea of the seeds blooming "bye and bye," indicating that the speaker is thinking about the future and the potential that lies within these seeds. This notion is further emphasized in the third line, which suggests that the seeds are destined to become something beautiful and awe-inspiring.

But then the poem takes a sharp turn, with the line "When I con the people." The word "con" can be interpreted in a number of ways - as a verb meaning to deceive, or as a contraction of "consider." Either way, the line seems to suggest that the speaker is now thinking about people, rather than seeds. The phrase "laid out in rows" conjures an image of soldiers or gravesites, and the following line - "To die, oh, how, die?" - speaks to the inevitability of death, and the fact that even the most beautiful and vibrant life must come to an end.

However, it is important to note that the poem does not end on a note of despair or hopelessness. Rather, the final line - "Scarlet experiment!" - is almost jubilant in its exclamation. The word "experiment" suggests a sense of curiosity and wonder, and the use of the word "scarlet" evokes the image of a vibrant and pulsing life force that cannot be extinguished.

## Interpretation and Analysis

So what do we make of all of this? At its core, "When I count the seeds" is a meditation on the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth. The act of planting seeds is a powerful symbol for the potential that exists within all of us, and the fact that these seeds will eventually bloom and flourish underscores the idea that life is constantly renewing itself.

However, the poem also acknowledges the inevitability of death, and the fact that all living things must eventually wither and die. The use of the phrase "laid out in rows" is particularly evocative, as it suggests a sense of order and structure that is ultimately disrupted by the chaos and randomness of death.

But despite the darkness that lurks around the edges of the poem, there is also a sense of hope and wonder that permeates the text. The final line, with its exclamation of "Scarlet experiment!", suggests that even in the face of death and decay, life is still a vibrant and unpredictable force. By using the word "experiment," Dickinson invites us to consider the idea that life itself is a grand and ongoing experiment, with all of its twists and turns still waiting to be explored.

## Conclusion

In the end, "When I count the seeds" is a powerful and evocative poem that speaks to the essential mysteries of life and death. By using the image of seeds and blooming flowers, Dickinson reminds us of the power of potential and the constant renewal of life. But she also acknowledges the inevitability of death, and the fact that even the most beautiful and vibrant life must come to an end. And yet, in spite of it all, there is still a sense of wonder and hope that pervades the poem, as if to remind us that even in the face of darkness, life is still a grand and beautiful experiment waiting to be explored.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

When I Count the Seeds: A Masterpiece by Emily Dickinson

Emily Dickinson, the renowned American poet, is known for her unique style of writing that often explores themes of nature, death, and spirituality. One of her most famous works, "When I Count the Seeds," is a beautiful poem that captures the essence of life and the cycle of nature. In this article, we will delve into the meaning and significance of this masterpiece and explore the literary techniques used by Dickinson to convey her message.

The poem begins with the line, "When I count the seeds," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The speaker is contemplating the seeds, which represent the potential for new life and growth. The act of counting the seeds suggests a sense of order and control, as if the speaker is trying to make sense of the world around them. However, as the poem progresses, it becomes clear that the speaker is grappling with the idea of mortality and the impermanence of life.

The second line of the poem reads, "That are sown beneath, to bloom so, bye and bye." Here, Dickinson uses the metaphor of planting seeds to represent the cycle of life and death. The seeds are sown beneath the earth, representing death, but they will eventually bloom and grow, representing new life. This metaphor is a powerful reminder that death is not the end, but rather a part of the natural cycle of life.

The third line of the poem reads, "I muse on the fragility of life." This line is particularly poignant, as it highlights the speaker's contemplation of the fleeting nature of life. The word "fragility" suggests that life is delicate and easily broken, which is a common theme in Dickinson's poetry. The speaker is acutely aware of the transience of life and is reflecting on the impermanence of all things.

The fourth line of the poem reads, "When I behold the wings of butterflies." Here, Dickinson uses another metaphor to represent the fleeting nature of life. Butterflies are known for their short lifespan, and their wings are a symbol of their beauty and fragility. The speaker is contemplating the beauty of life, but also the fact that it is fleeting and temporary.

The fifth line of the poem reads, "That spread their gold and azure, and fan the air." This line is a beautiful description of the butterfly's wings, which are often brightly colored and delicate. The use of the words "gold and azure" suggests a sense of luxury and beauty, while the phrase "fan the air" suggests movement and freedom. The butterfly's wings are a symbol of the beauty and fragility of life, but also of the freedom that comes with it.

The sixth line of the poem reads, "I pause to think how soon, alas! they'll cease to flutter here." This line is a reminder that all things must come to an end, including the beauty and freedom of life. The word "alas" suggests a sense of sadness or regret, as the speaker is lamenting the fact that life is temporary. However, the use of the word "pause" suggests that the speaker is taking a moment to appreciate the beauty of life, even though it is fleeting.

The seventh line of the poem reads, "Then, freed from all their earthly chains, they'll soar away." This line is a powerful reminder that death is not the end, but rather a release from the earthly constraints of life. The use of the word "freed" suggests a sense of liberation, while the phrase "earthly chains" suggests that life can be restrictive and limiting. The butterfly's wings are a symbol of the freedom that comes with death, as the soul is released from the physical body and allowed to soar.

The eighth and final line of the poem reads, "I muse on the fragility of life, when I count the seeds." This line brings the poem full circle, as the speaker returns to the idea of counting the seeds. However, now the act of counting the seeds takes on a new meaning, as the speaker is contemplating the fragility of life and the cycle of nature. The repetition of the phrase "I muse on the fragility of life" reinforces the theme of impermanence and reminds the reader that life is fleeting.

In terms of literary techniques, Dickinson uses a variety of metaphors and imagery to convey her message. The metaphor of planting seeds is a powerful symbol of the cycle of life and death, while the butterfly's wings are a symbol of the beauty and fragility of life. The use of the words "fragility" and "alas" create a sense of sadness and regret, while the use of the word "pause" suggests a moment of reflection and appreciation. The repetition of the phrase "I muse on the fragility of life" reinforces the theme of impermanence and reminds the reader that life is fleeting.

In conclusion, "When I Count the Seeds" is a beautiful and poignant poem that captures the essence of life and the cycle of nature. Dickinson's use of metaphors and imagery creates a powerful message about the fragility of life and the inevitability of death. The poem is a reminder to appreciate the beauty of life, even though it is temporary, and to find comfort in the knowledge that death is not the end, but rather a release from the earthly constraints of life.

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