A Burdock Clawed My Gown
poem 229
A Burdock Clawed My Gown - meaning Summary
Perspective on Natural Affronts
Dickinson presents a brief meditation on blame, scale, and perception through small encounters with nature. A burdock and a bog create minor harms, and the speaker accepts responsibility for having approached them. The poem then widens its view: small creatures like minnows may scorn, while a great, calm animal looks beyond petty concerns. The effect contrasts limited, reactive perspectives with larger, more composed awareness, suggesting humility before natural forces and the value of a broader outlook that does not take affronts personally.
Read Complete AnalysesA Burdock clawed my Gown Not Burdock’s blame But mine Who went too near The Burdock’s Den A Bog affronts my shoe What else have Bogs to do The only Trade they know The splashing Men! Ah, pity then! ‘Tis Minnows can despise! The Elephant’s calm eyes Look further on!
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