I Had Some Things That I Called Mine
poem 116
I Had Some Things That I Called Mine - meaning Summary
Property and Divine Claim
The poem frames a dispute between the speaker and God over possessions, using a small garden as a metaphor for personal property seized by divine authority. Dickinson treats the conflict with mock-legal language and dry wit, imagining a courtly vindication and rhetorical counsel to oppose the claim. The tone mixes personal grievance with playful satire, turning spiritual possession into a civic, litigable matter.
Read Complete AnalysesI had some things that I called mine And God, that he called his, Till, recently a rival Claim Disturbed these amities. The property, my garden, Which having sown with care, He claims the pretty acre, And sends a Bailiff there. The station of the parties Forbids publicity, But Justice is sublimer Than arms, or pedigree. I’ll institute an Action I’ll vindicate the law Jove! Choose your counsel I retain Shaw!
Feel free to be first to leave comment.