A Tooth Upon Our Peace
poem 459
A Tooth Upon Our Peace - meaning Summary
Peace Disrupted by Small Harm
Dickinson explores how a small injury or irritant can disturb an otherwise intact peace. The poem uses the image of a "tooth" to ask why a minor flaw should exist where peace prevails, suggesting that such blemishes animate grace. It then asserts a paradox: Heaven contains a Hell, not as contradiction but as a means of definition, and the approach to the sacred is marked by sacrifice. Overall the poem reflects on how contrast, loss, or pain can both undermine and give purpose to spiritual harmony.
Read Complete AnalysesA Tooth upon Our Peace The Peace cannot deface Then Wherefore be the Tooth? To vitalize the Grace The Heaven hath a Hell Itself to signalize And every sign before the Place Is Gilt with Sacrifice
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