The First Day That I Was a Life
poem 902
The First Day That I Was a Life - meaning Summary
Life as Shifting Perspective
The poem contrasts two moments described as "first" and "last" days of being alive, presenting a paradox of stillness, emptiness and fullness. Dickinson frames life as both a final occasion and a tentative experiment directed toward others. The speaker registers emotional differences between beginnings and endings but ends with uncertainty: neither the speaker nor others can decisively choose which state matters, and memory itself is asked to judge.
Read Complete AnalysesThe first Day that I was a Life I recollect it How still That last Day that I was a Life I recollect it as well ‘Twas stiller though the first Was still Twas empty but the first Was full This was my finallest Occasion But then My tenderer Experiment Toward Men Which choose I? That I cannot say Which choose They? Question Memory!
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