'From Blank to Blank' by Emily Dickinson


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From Blank to Blank-
A Threadless Way
I pushed Mechanic feet-
To stop-or perish-or advance-
Alike indifferent-If end I gained
It ends beyond
Indefinite disclosed-
I shut my eyes-and groped as well
'Twas lighter-to be Blind-

Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry, From Blank to Blank: A Masterpiece of Emily Dickinson

When it comes to American poetry, Emily Dickinson is undoubtedly one of the most famous and revered poets in history. Her unique style, unconventional punctuation, and cryptic messages have made her a subject of fascination and study for generations. One of her most famous works, "Poetry, From Blank to Blank," is a prime example of her singular talent.

At only six lines long, "Poetry, From Blank to Blank" is a brief but powerful piece that captures the essence of Dickinson's approach to writing. The poem reads:

"Poetry, from blank to blank, Feeling and expression, Are alike contraband, To wandering thought and vision."

At first glance, the poem may seem cryptic and difficult to decipher. However, a closer examination reveals a deep and profound message about the nature of poetry and the creative process.

Dickinson begins the poem with the phrase "from blank to blank," which refers to the blank page that a poet faces when starting a new work. This idea of starting from nothing is a common theme in Dickinson's poetry and reflects her belief that true creativity comes from the void. The blank page is a canvas upon which the poet can create something entirely new and unique.

The second line, "Feeling and expression," suggests that poetry is not just a matter of putting words on a page, but rather an emotional and experiential process. Dickinson believed that poetry was a way to express the deepest and most profound aspects of the human experience. Poetry was a way to capture the nuances of emotion that could not be expressed in any other form.

The third line, "Are alike contraband," suggests that these emotions and expressions are not easily captured or expressed. Dickinson believed that true poetry was a form of rebellion against the conventions of society and language. The poet must go beyond the boundaries of language and convention in order to express the full range of human experience.

The final line, "To wandering thought and vision," suggests that poetry is a way to capture the fleeting and ephemeral aspects of life. Dickinson believed that poetry was a way to capture the essence of the moment, to freeze time and experience in a single line of verse.

Taken together, "Poetry, From Blank to Blank" is a powerful and profound statement about the nature of creativity and the power of poetry. Dickinson believed that true poetry came from a place of emptiness, from a blank page that could be filled with the full range of human emotion and experience. She believed that true poetry was a form of rebellion against the conventions of society and language, and that it was a way to capture the essence of the moment.

In conclusion, "Poetry, From Blank to Blank" is a masterpiece of American poetry that captures the essence of Emily Dickinson's unique style and creative vision. With its cryptic messages and unconventional approach, the poem remains a subject of fascination and study for generations of readers and writers. Dickinson's legacy as one of America's greatest poets is secure, and "Poetry, From Blank to Blank" is a testament to her singular talent and vision.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry From Blank to Blank: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Masterpiece

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and her work continues to inspire and captivate readers to this day. One of her most famous poems, Poetry From Blank to Blank, is a masterpiece of poetic expression that explores the nature of creativity and the power of the written word. In this analysis, we will take a closer look at this remarkable poem and explore its themes, structure, and meaning.

The poem begins with a simple statement: "Poetry from blank to blank." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a meditation on the creative process and the act of writing. The phrase "blank to blank" suggests a journey or a progression, and it is clear that Dickinson is exploring the idea of how something can be created from nothing.

The second line of the poem, "A trick, some said, of the breath," introduces the idea that poetry is not just a product of the mind, but also of the body. The act of breathing, of taking in air and exhaling it, is a fundamental part of the creative process. Dickinson is suggesting that poetry is not just an intellectual pursuit, but also a physical one.

The third line of the poem, "A skill, said others, of the tongue," reinforces this idea. Dickinson is suggesting that poetry is not just a matter of inspiration, but also of technique. The poet must have a mastery of language and the ability to use words in a way that is both beautiful and meaningful.

The fourth line of the poem, "Only a trick, a skill," suggests that there is more to poetry than just technique and inspiration. Dickinson is suggesting that there is something mysterious and elusive about the creative process, something that cannot be fully explained or understood. The word "only" suggests that there is something more to poetry than just the sum of its parts.

The fifth line of the poem, "Here and there a cotter's child," introduces a new element to the poem. The word "cotter" suggests someone who is poor or of low social status, and the phrase "cotter's child" suggests someone who is not privileged or educated. Dickinson is suggesting that poetry is not just the domain of the elite or the educated, but is something that can be created by anyone, regardless of their background or social status.

The sixth line of the poem, "Kept a-slanting for the load," introduces the idea of a burden or a weight. The word "load" suggests something heavy or difficult to carry, and Dickinson is suggesting that the act of creating poetry is not easy. It requires effort and dedication, and the poet must be willing to carry the weight of their own creativity.

The seventh line of the poem, "Though the breath conned beguiled," suggests that the act of creating poetry is not always straightforward. The word "conned" suggests deception or trickery, and Dickinson is suggesting that the act of creating poetry can be both beguiling and deceptive. The poet must be careful not to be led astray by their own creativity.

The eighth line of the poem, "Made but the act of breathing yield," reinforces the idea that poetry is not just a matter of inspiration, but also of physicality. The act of breathing is essential to the creative process, and Dickinson is suggesting that the poet must be attuned to their own body in order to create something meaningful.

The ninth line of the poem, "Divine, at least, is all we know," introduces a new element to the poem. The word "divine" suggests something spiritual or transcendent, and Dickinson is suggesting that there is something mystical or otherworldly about the act of creating poetry. The word "know" suggests that there is a limit to our understanding of this process, and that there is something beyond our comprehension at work.

The final line of the poem, "Of what surrounds us, therefore, Foe," is a powerful conclusion to this meditation on the creative process. The word "foe" suggests an enemy or an obstacle, and Dickinson is suggesting that the act of creating poetry is not always easy. The poet must contend with the world around them, with all its distractions and challenges, in order to create something meaningful.

In terms of structure, Poetry From Blank to Blank is a short, eight-line poem with a simple ABAB rhyme scheme. The poem is divided into two stanzas, with four lines in each. This structure reinforces the idea of progression and journey that is central to the poem, and the simple rhyme scheme gives the poem a musical quality that is both beautiful and haunting.

In terms of meaning, Poetry From Blank to Blank is a meditation on the creative process and the power of the written word. Dickinson is suggesting that poetry is not just a matter of inspiration, but also of physicality, technique, and mystery. She is also suggesting that poetry is not just the domain of the elite or the educated, but is something that can be created by anyone, regardless of their background or social status.

Overall, Poetry From Blank to Blank is a remarkable poem that continues to inspire and captivate readers to this day. Its themes of creativity, physicality, and mystery are timeless, and its simple yet powerful structure and rhyme scheme make it a masterpiece of poetic expression. Whether you are a lover of poetry or simply someone who appreciates the power of the written word, this poem is sure to leave a lasting impression.

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