Poem Analysis - Heaven Is So Far Of The Mind

Introduction: Heaven Within

Emily Dickinson's "Heaven Is So Far of the Mind" is a concise exploration of the concept of heaven, not as a distant location, but as a state deeply intertwined with human consciousness. The poem possesses a tone of quiet contemplation, almost philosophical musing, as it grapples with the intangible nature of the divine. There's a sense of both uncertainty and profound possibility woven into the fabric of the verses. The poem does not present a joyous or assured vision of heaven, but rather a thoughtful investigation into its perceived distance and subjective reality.

Heaven as a Mental Construct

The poem primarily grapples with the theme of subjective spirituality, portraying heaven less as a geographical place and more as a product of the human mind. The opening lines, "Heaven is so far of the Mind / That were the Mind dissolved / The Site of it by Architect / Could not again be proved," immediately establish this central idea. Dickinson suggests that if the mind, the very faculty that conceives of heaven, were to disappear, no evidence of its existence could be found. This isn't a denial of heaven, but a suggestion that its reality is intrinsically linked to human perception and understanding. The theme is carried throughout the poem as we are told heaven is as vast as "our Capacity" and as fair as "our idea".

Capacity, Desire and the Immediacy of Heaven

Another crucial theme is the relationship between desire and attainment. The poem culminates in the assertion that "To Him of adequate desire / No further ’tis, than Here." This powerful statement suggests that heaven is not a distant reward for some future attainment, but is accessible in the present moment, "Here," to those who possess sufficient spiritual yearning. It reframes the pursuit of heaven not as a journey across vast distances, but as an internal process of cultivating profound desire. Dickinson uses the word "adequate" carefully, implying that it is not just any desire but an appropriate or sufficient longing that bridges the gap between the earthly and the divine. A person's own longing for heaven and good, is the key to unlock it.

The Elusive Image of Heaven

The poem's most prominent image is the intangibility of heaven itself. While it's not a concrete, visually descriptive poem, the image of heaven "so far of the Mind" conjures a sense of distance and elusiveness. The phrase "Site of it by Architect / Could not again be proved" further reinforces this idea. Even with the most skilled architect (symbolizing reason, logic, or perhaps even divine planning), proving heaven's existence without the mind is impossible. This suggests that heaven transcends the limitations of empirical proof and exists in a realm beyond the physical. The final line places Heaven within reach, but the initial distance implies the work one must do to reach it. Is Dickinson suggesting that we must become the architects of our own heaven?

Conclusion: The Internal Kingdom

In conclusion, "Heaven Is So Far of the Mind" is a powerful meditation on the nature of heaven, proposing that it is not a distant location but a state of being deeply connected to human consciousness and desire. The poem’s significance lies in its reframing of spirituality, shifting the focus from external pursuit to internal cultivation. Dickinson invites readers to consider that heaven may not be a place to be reached, but a potentiality that resides within, accessible "Here" to those who possess a deep and adequate longing for it. The poem suggests that heaven is not a passive reward but an active creation, shaped by the mind and the intensity of our spiritual yearning.