A Day! Help! Help! Another Day!
poem 42
A Day! Help! Help! Another Day! - context Summary
Composed 1860
Composed around 1860, this short Emily Dickinson poem frames a private spiritual crisis in the language of warfare and petition. The speaker cries for help at the start of a new day, asking passersby to pray because even an apparently ordinary battle — "a common ball" or simple marshalling — can lead to decisive victory or defeat. The martial imagery and urgent tone reflect Dickinson’s inward focus on moral and existential stakes, where small moments determine large outcomes and the soul pleads for steadiness.
Read Complete AnalysesA Day! Help! Help! Another Day! Your prayers, oh Passer by! From such a common ball as this Might date a Victory! From marshallings as simple The flags of nations swang. Steady my soul: What issues Upon thine arrow hang!
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