I Know That He Exists
poem 338
I Know That He Exists - meaning Summary
Faith as Playful Concealment
The poem meditates on belief in a hidden God whose life is concealed from human eyes. Dickinson likens divine presence to a brief, playful ambush that allows bliss to feel earned. Yet she quickly raises a moral question: if this concealment becomes serious and results in suffering or death, the cosmic joke would be too costly. The poem balances wonder at mystery with anxiety about its possible consequences.
Read Complete AnalysesI know that He exists. Somewhere in Silence He has hid his rare life From our gross eyes. ‘Tis an instant’s play. ‘Tis a fond Ambush Just to make Bliss Earn her own surprise! But should the play Prove piercing earnest Should the glee glaze In Death’s stiff stare Wou ld not the fun Look too expensive! Would not the jest Have crawled too far!
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