Poem Analysis - The Skies Can T Keep Their Secret

Introduction: A Whispered Secret and a Conscious Choice

Emily Dickinson's "The Skies Can't Keep Their Secret!" is a charming exploration of curiosity, the allure of the unknown, and the conscious choice to remain ignorant. The poem begins with a lighthearted tone, almost playful, as nature gossips amongst itself. However, the poem gradually shifts to a more reflective and even reverent mood as the speaker considers the value of mystery and the potential monotony of absolute knowledge. Ultimately, the speaker decides that embracing the unknown holds a unique beauty and excitement that should not be forfeited.

Nature's Gossip: The Spread of Information

One of the primary themes is the irresistible spread of knowledge. Dickinson uses the metaphor of nature as a conduit for a secret, starting with the skies and cascading down through the hills, orchards, and daffodils. This suggests that some information, once released, is inherently contagious and difficult to contain. The image of the bird "by chance" overhearing the secret further emphasizes the accidental and pervasive nature of knowledge dissemination. The poem highlights how even seemingly innocuous elements of the natural world can become unwitting participants in the transmission of secrets, emphasizing the pervasive reach of information.

The Allure of the Unknown: Embracing Mystery

A central theme revolves around the value of the unknown and the deliberate choice to preserve mystery. The speaker contemplates bribing the bird for the secret but ultimately refrains, realizing that "It's finer not to know." This highlights the speaker's understanding that knowing everything can diminish the wonder and excitement of life. The lines "If Summer were an Axiom/ What sorcery had Snow?" powerfully illustrate this point. If everything were predictable and knowable, like a mathematical axiom, the magic and beauty of unexpected events, like snow in summer, would be lost. This suggests a deliberate preference for the unpredictable and enchanting aspects of life over the certainty of absolute knowledge.

Father and the Sapphire Fellows: A World Beyond Comprehension

The poem touches upon the theme of spiritual or existential mystery, particularly in the final stanza. The speaker addresses "Father!" (presumably God) and declares, "So keep your secret Father!/ I would not if I could,/ Know what the Sapphire Fellows, do,/ In your new-fashioned world!" The "Sapphire Fellows" likely allude to angels or celestial beings, suggesting a realm beyond human understanding. The speaker's refusal to know what transpires in this divine "new-fashioned world" implies a respect for the boundaries between human and divine knowledge. It is a recognition that some mysteries are best left untouched, preserving a sense of awe and reverence for the unknown workings of the universe.

Sapphire: Symbolism of Divine Mystery and Knowledge

The image of "Sapphire Fellows" is a vivid and recurring symbol. Sapphire, a precious gemstone known for its deep blue color, often represents wisdom, royalty, and the divine. By associating these "Fellows" with sapphire, Dickinson imbues them with an air of mystery, nobility, and heavenly knowledge. The deep blue hue may also symbolize the vastness and depth of the unknown, hinting at the infinite mysteries of the spiritual realm.

Conclusion: Finding Beauty in the Secret

In conclusion, "The Skies Can't Keep Their Secret!" is a delicate exploration of the temptation of knowledge and the deliberate choice to embrace mystery. Dickinson uses the natural world as a metaphor for the dissemination of information, while simultaneously highlighting the beauty and excitement that exists in the unknown. The poem celebrates the value of wonder and suggests that some secrets, particularly those relating to the divine or the universe's grand design, are best left undisturbed, allowing us to maintain a sense of awe and enchantment in the face of the world's endless possibilities.