He Gave Away His Life
poem 567
He Gave Away His Life - meaning Summary
Loss Reframed as Sacrifice
Dickinson’s short lyric reflects on a life given away—small to the person but enlarged by fame until it overwhelms those left behind. The poem traces communal grief: shock when private loss becomes public, a slow, floral image of mourning as others decay while maturity is chosen by the deceased. The final image suggests a life cut to perfection, a fully formed self who "broke perfect from the Pod" before others could witness gradual growth.
Read Complete AnalysesHe gave away his Life To Us Gigantic Sum A trifle in his own esteem But magnified by Fame Until it burst the Hearts That fancied they could hold When swift it slipped its limit And on the Heavens unrolled ‘Tis Ours to wince and weep And wonder and decay By Blossoms gradual process He chose Maturity And quickening as we sowed Just obviated Bud And when We turned to note the Growth Broke perfect from the Pod
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