"Immortal is an ample word"

By Emily Dickinson
[Analysis]
Immortal is an ample word [1]
When what we need is by [2]
But when it leaves us for a time [3]
'Tis a necessity. [4]
Of Heaven above the firmest proof [5]
We fundamental know [6]
Except for its marauding Hand [7]
It had been Heaven below. [8]
Poem 1205 [F1223]
"Immortal is an ample word"
Analysis by David Preest
[Poem]
Emily sent just the second stanza of this poem in a letter (L371) to Thomas Higginson on the death of his brother on 9 March 1872,
although the whole poem would have been appropriate. When our loved ones are by us and still alive, 'immortality' is just a grand word, but
when they leave us in death until the time of some future meeting, 'immortality' becomes a 'necessity.' Indeed the strongest proof of 'Heaven
above' is our deep knowledge that earth would have been 'Heaven below' but for the marauding, death- dealing Hand of 'Heaven above,'
inflicting losses which must somewhere be made good.
In the letter to Higginson the second stanza is introduced by the sentences:
I am sorry your Brother is dead.
I fear he was dear to you.
I should be glad to know you were painlessly grieved.
Top