Is Bliss Then, Such Abyss

Is Bliss Then, Such Abyss - meaning Summary

Choosing Bliss Over Caution

Dickinson uses a pithy footwear metaphor to argue for choosing immediate joy over cautious preservation. The speaker imagines risking a shoe to allow the foot to be comfortable, contrasting replaceable boots with the unique, irreplaceable nature of bliss. The poem frames the choice as a simple verdict: prioritize experiential pleasure because material losses can be replaced but true delight cannot. Lightly ironic and conversational, the voice pressingly invites action — to cross the street, seize the moment, and accept small costs in order to secure a rare, once-sold happiness.