Emily Dickinson

I Rose Because He Sank

poem 616

I Rose Because He Sank - meaning Summary

Strength in Reversal

The poem describes a speaker who unexpectedly grows stronger as the beloved weakens. Rather than collapsing, she steadies him with song, comfort, and spiritual conviction, interpreting his physical decline as a passage rather than defeat. She reassures him about mortality and remembered worlds beyond flesh, and through inward reserves of faith and effort she lifts him. The tone blends caregiving, faith, and the reversal of anticipated roles.

Read Complete Analyses

I rose because He sank I thought it would be opposite But when his power dropped My Soul grew straight. I cheered my fainting Prince I sang firm even Chants I helped his Film with Hymn And when the Dews drew off That held his Forehead stiff I met him Balm to Balm I told him Best must pass Through this low Arch of Flesh No Casque so brave It spurn the Grave I told him Worlds I knew Where Emperors grew Who recollected us If we were true And so with Thews of Hymn And Sinew from within And ways I knew not that I knew till then I lifted Him

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