Poem Analysis - Always Mine

A Declaration of Eternal Possession

Emily Dickinson's "Always Mine!" is a short but powerful declaration of enduring ownership and the joy derived from it. The poem resonates with a confident tone, suggesting a secure and unshakeable bond. It moves from a sense of immediate, present joy to a broader, cosmic perspective, grounding the personal experience within the rhythms of the natural world. The poem celebrates a love or connection so profound that it transcends fleeting moments and finds permanence in the cyclical nature of existence. It is a proclamation of belonging and the light it brings into one's life.

The Everlasting Nature of Love

One of the main themes of the poem is the enduring nature of love or devotion. The opening lines, "Always Mine! / No more Vacation!," establish a sense of permanent possession and an end to any previous state of separation or temporary enjoyment. This isn’t just a fleeting fancy; it’s a commitment to something lasting. The image of "Term of Light this Day begun!" reinforces this idea, suggesting a new era of illumination and joy that is only just beginning, not soon to end. The poem suggests that this connection will be a constant source of light and happiness, an unyielding presence.

Embracing Permanence Through Natural Imagery

The poem develops the theme of permanence through the use of natural imagery. The "failless as the fair rotation / Of the Seasons and the Sun" simile is particularly effective. Dickinson connects her feeling of ownership to the reliable, unchanging cycle of the seasons and the sun’s daily journey. The sun, a powerful symbol of light, life, and constancy, reinforces the idea that this love or connection is as dependable and essential as the natural world itself. The comparison emphasizes the feeling of security and the speaker's confidence that this relationship is as permanent as these natural phenomena.

Dawn as a Symbol of Perpetual Renewal

The dawn serves as a recurring symbol of renewal and beginning. Although "Old, indeed, the East," each sunrise is still a "first" on "His Purple Programme." This image suggests that even though love and connection may be age-old concepts, each experience is unique and fresh. The "Purple Programme" conjures a vivid image of dawn's colorful display, symbolizing the beauty and wonder inherent in each new beginning. It indicates that though the patterns of life may repeat, the individual experience remains uniquely vibrant and precious. Is Dickinson using the dawn to suggest that love, while eternal in concept, can still be a new and surprising experience each day?

A Legacy of Light

In conclusion, "Always Mine!" is a testament to the power of enduring connection. Through imagery of light, natural cycles, and dawn, Dickinson presents a vision of love or devotion that is steadfast, reliable, and perpetually renewed. The poem is a celebration of ownership, not in a possessive sense, but in the sense of cherishing a profound bond that brings illumination and joy to life. The poem suggests that this connection is not a fleeting moment but a cornerstone of existence, as sure and beautiful as the rising sun.