He Forgot and I Remembered
poem 203
He Forgot and I Remembered - meaning Summary
Memory Amid Denial
Emily Dickinson's short poem contrasts two responses to a remembered moment: the speaker retains a private recollection while another person denies involvement. By invoking Christ, Peter, and the Temple fire, the poem frames a small, everyday scene as a moral and relational test of presence, guilt, and witness. The speaker’s memory preserves intimacy and accusation against the backdrop of a famous biblical denial.
Read Complete AnalysesHe forgot and I remembered ‘Twas an everyday affair Long ago as Christ and Peter Warmed them at the Temple fire. Thou wert with him quoth the Damsel? No said Peter, ’twasn’t me Jesus merely looked at Peter Could I do aught else to Thee?
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