Poem Analysis - Come Slowly

A Delicate Invitation

Emily Dickinson's "Come Slowly – Eden" is a short but potent poem that evokes a sense of delicate anticipation and sensual discovery. The tone is initially cautious and instructive, urging a gentle approach to the experience described. However, it gradually shifts into an immersive, almost overwhelming, state of bliss and surrender. This poem is a masterful example of Dickinson's ability to condense complex emotions and experiences into a few carefully chosen words.

Eden and Sensual Experience

The poem centers around the theme of sensual experience, presented through the metaphor of "Eden." The direct address to "Eden" suggests that the speaker is either experiencing this paradise for the first time or offering guidance to someone who is. The phrase "Lips unused to thee" implies a virgin territory, something new and potentially overwhelming. The initial hesitance suggested by "Come slowly" underscores the delicacy and vulnerability associated with this initial encounter. The poem refrains from stating directly what this "Eden" represents, but the descriptions point to a potentially romantic or physical experience.

Imagery of Nature and Intoxication

Dickinson relies heavily on nature imagery to convey the intensity of this experience. The comparison to a "fainting bee" reaching a flower is particularly effective. This bee, exhausted and longing, represents someone approaching a source of sustenance and pleasure. The "jasmines" symbolize fragrance and beauty, contributing to the idyllic setting. The act of the bee "counting his nectars" before alighting suggests a savoring of the moment, a deliberate appreciation before giving in to the experience. The phrase "lost in balms" powerfully portrays a complete surrender to the intoxicating sensations, indicating both physical and emotional fulfillment.

Symbolism of Loss and Transcendence

The concluding line, "And is lost in balms!" is rich in symbolism. The word "lost" does not carry a negative connotation here, but rather suggests a transcendence of self. The individual merges completely with the experience, dissolving into a state of pure sensation and pleasure. "Balms" implies a soothing, healing, and intensely pleasurable state. The loss of self could be interpreted as the ultimate fulfillment, a letting go of inhibitions and a complete embrace of the sensual experience. Alternatively, one might ask if this "loss" is truly positive, or if there's a subtle undercurrent of warning about being consumed or overwhelmed by the experience.

A Whisper of Paradise

"Come Slowly – Eden" is a concise yet evocative poem that explores the themes of sensual experience, anticipation, and surrender. Through vivid nature imagery and carefully chosen language, Dickinson creates a compelling portrait of a paradise both inviting and potentially overwhelming. The poem leaves the reader with a sense of the delicate balance between anticipation and fulfillment, and the transformative power of fully embracing a sensual experience.