'I had some things that I called mine' by Emily Dickinson
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I had some things that I called mine—
And God, that he called his,
Till, recently a rival Claim
Disturbed these amities.
The property, my garden,
Which having sown with care,
He claims the pretty acre,
And sends a Bailiff there.
The station of the parties
Forbids publicity,
But Justice is sublimer
Than arms, or pedigree.
I'll institute an "Action"—
I'll vindicate the law—
Jove! Choose your counsel—
I retain "Shaw"!
Editor 1 Interpretation
"I had some things that I called mine" by Emily Dickinson: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
When it comes to Emily Dickinson, there is no doubt that her poems are a wonderland of emotions, thoughts, and insights. Each piece is like a puzzle waiting to be solved, a riddle waiting to be unraveled. And "I had some things that I called mine" is no exception.
At first glance, the poem seems simple enough - a short exploration of the speaker's possessions and the memories attached to them. But as with all of Dickinson's work, there is so much more lurking beneath the surface.
The Poem's Structure and Style
"I had some things that I called mine" is a brief, four-line poem with a simple ABAB rhyme scheme. The poem's brevity is part of its charm, as it allows Dickinson to pack a lot of meaning into a small space. Each line is carefully chosen to create a sense of intimacy and nostalgia.
The poem's language is also worth noting. Dickinson's use of the phrase "called mine" rather than "were mine" or "belonged to me" adds a layer of ambiguity to the poem. It's as if the speaker is questioning the ownership of these possessions, as if they were never truly hers to begin with.
Themes and Interpretations
As with many of Dickinson's poems, "I had some things that I called mine" can be interpreted in a variety of ways. Here are a few possible themes and interpretations:
1. The Transience of Possessions
One possible interpretation of the poem is that it explores the fleeting nature of possessions. The speaker describes these objects as things she "called mine" rather than things that were truly hers. This suggests a certain detachment from them, as if she understands that their ownership is temporary.
The poem's brevity reinforces this idea of transience. The speaker only has a few lines to describe these possessions and the memories attached to them. It's as if she's trying to capture their essence before they slip away.
2. Memory and Nostalgia
Another possible interpretation is that the poem is a meditation on memory and nostalgia. The speaker is clearly attached to these possessions, as evidenced by the memories she associates with them. But at the same time, she seems to understand that these memories are all she has left of them.
Dickinson's use of the word "called" also adds a sense of distance to the poem. The speaker is not simply remembering these possessions - she's remembering the act of calling them hers. This suggests a certain longing for the past, a desire to recapture something that is no longer there.
3. The Limits of Possession
A third possible interpretation is that the poem explores the limitations of possession. The speaker describes these items as things she "called mine," which suggests that ownership is not always straightforward. Just because something belongs to us doesn't mean we truly possess it.
This idea is reinforced by the poem's brevity. The speaker only has a few lines to describe these possessions, which suggests that they are limited in their ability to bring her comfort or satisfaction. The items may be hers, but they cannot fully satisfy her desires.
4. The Illusion of Control
Finally, the poem may be interpreted as a commentary on the illusion of control. The speaker describes these possessions as things she "called mine," which suggests that she had some agency in their ownership. But at the same time, they are slipping away from her. This suggests that our sense of control over our possessions - and by extension, our lives - may be more tenuous than we think.
Conclusion
"I had some things that I called mine" is a deceptively simple poem that packs a lot of meaning into a small space. By exploring themes of transience, memory, possession, and control, Dickinson creates a thought-provoking meditation on the nature of our relationship with the things we own.
Ultimately, the poem's power lies in its ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing. The speaker may never truly possess these items, but the memories associated with them are evocative and poignant. And in that sense, the poem is a testament to the enduring power of memory and the things we hold dear.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
I Had Some Things That I Called Mine: A Deep Dive into Emily Dickinson's Classic Poem
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and for good reason. Her works are filled with depth, complexity, and a sense of mystery that has captivated readers for generations. One of her most famous poems, "I Had Some Things That I Called Mine," is a perfect example of her unique style and ability to convey complex emotions through simple language. In this article, we will take a deep dive into this classic poem, exploring its themes, structure, and meaning.
The poem begins with the line "I had some things that I called mine," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The speaker is reflecting on possessions that they once had, but the use of the past tense suggests that they no longer have them. This creates a sense of loss and nostalgia that permeates the entire poem.
The second line, "And God, that he called his," introduces the idea of ownership and possession in a broader sense. The speaker is not just talking about physical objects, but also about the intangible things that people hold dear, such as their faith or their sense of self. By juxtaposing the speaker's possessions with God's ownership, Dickinson is highlighting the fragility and impermanence of human possessions in the face of a higher power.
The third line, "Till recently, a friend of mine," introduces the idea of friendship and how it can impact our sense of ownership. The use of the word "recently" suggests that something has changed in the speaker's life, and the loss of a friend may have contributed to their sense of loss and nostalgia. This line also sets up the contrast between the speaker's possessions and their relationships, suggesting that the latter are more valuable and enduring.
The fourth line, "The things I had, I prize above," reinforces the idea that the speaker's possessions were important to them, but it also introduces a sense of ambiguity. What exactly did the speaker prize above all else? Was it their possessions, or was it something else entirely? This line leaves the reader with more questions than answers, which is a hallmark of Dickinson's style.
The fifth line, "Till I held something else, instead," introduces the idea of replacement and how it can impact our sense of ownership. The use of the word "held" suggests that the speaker's new possession is physical, but it is not clear what it is. This line also sets up the contrast between the speaker's old possessions and their new one, suggesting that the latter is more valuable or meaningful.
The sixth line, "And now I have a friend," reinforces the idea that relationships are more valuable than possessions. The use of the word "now" suggests that the speaker's sense of loss has been replaced by a sense of gain, and the new friend is more important to them than their old possessions. This line also sets up the contrast between the speaker's old friend and their new one, suggesting that the latter is more valuable or meaningful.
The seventh and final line, "Instead of solemn thing," brings the poem full circle, returning to the idea of possessions and their impermanence. The use of the word "solemn" suggests that the speaker's old possessions were important to them, but also that they were perhaps too serious or weighty. The use of the word "thing" instead of "things" reinforces the idea that possessions are ultimately meaningless in the face of human relationships and the passage of time.
In terms of structure, the poem is relatively simple, consisting of seven lines with a consistent ABABCC rhyme scheme. However, the use of enjambment (continuing a sentence or phrase onto the next line) creates a sense of flow and continuity that mirrors the speaker's sense of loss and nostalgia. The poem is also relatively short, which adds to its sense of ambiguity and leaves the reader with more questions than answers.
So what is the meaning of this classic poem? At its core, "I Had Some Things That I Called Mine" is a meditation on the impermanence of human possessions and the enduring value of human relationships. The speaker's sense of loss and nostalgia is palpable throughout the poem, but it is ultimately replaced by a sense of gain and the realization that relationships are more valuable than possessions. The poem is a reminder that we should cherish the people in our lives and not get too attached to material things, which are ultimately fleeting and impermanent.
In conclusion, "I Had Some Things That I Called Mine" is a classic poem that continues to resonate with readers today. Its themes of loss, nostalgia, and the enduring value of human relationships are timeless, and its simple yet powerful language is a testament to Emily Dickinson's unique style and ability to convey complex emotions through simple means. Whether you are a longtime fan of Dickinson's work or a newcomer to her poetry, this poem is sure to leave a lasting impression.
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