Poem Analysis - They Leave Us With The Infinite

An Introduction to Dickinson's Boundless Faith

Emily Dickinson's "They Leave Us With The Infinite" is a poem of comfort and immense faith in the face of loss. The poem acknowledges the void left by those who depart, but quickly pivots to a reassurance in the power of an almost incomprehensibly large and powerful divine being. The tone begins with a hint of melancholy acceptance and moves towards a steadfast, almost defiant, trust. This trust is presented as a shared experience, a call to camaraderie in faith.

The Gigantic God: Image and Power

The poem's central image is its depiction of God. He is not a gentle, human-like figure. Instead, Dickinson presents a deity of immense scale and strength. "His fingers are the size of fists / His fists, the size of men." This exaggerated scale serves to emphasize the enormity of God's power. The image of Him holding "Gibraltar's Everlasting Shoe / Poised lightly on his Hand" is particularly striking. Gibraltar, a massive and enduring landmass, is reduced to a mere shoe in God's hand, highlighting His omnipotence. This imagery is not intended to inspire fear, but rather to provide a sense of security. If God is so powerful, then He is capable of handling any hardship, any loss.

Faith as a Bulwark Against Grief

One of the poem's main themes is faith as a response to loss. The opening line, "They leave us with the Infinite," implicitly acknowledges the pain of separation, the void created when someone dies or departs. However, Dickinson immediately reframes this loss. Instead of focusing on what has been taken away, she emphasizes what remains: the Infinite, i.e., God. God fills the void, provides solace, and offers the promise of something beyond earthly existence. The poem suggests that faith in this powerful, infinite being is the only way to truly cope with the inevitable departures of life.

Eternity's Embrace: Time and Truth

Another significant theme is the nature of eternity. Dickinson writes, "Eternity is ample, / And quick enough, if true." This suggests that eternity is not simply an endless expanse of time, but a state of being that is dependent on truth. It implies that genuine faith and devotion are the keys to unlocking the fullness of eternity. The lines also hint at the paradox of time within eternity – it is both "ample" (vast) and "quick enough." Dickinson seems to suggest that when aligned with truth, the perceived slowness of earthly suffering is rendered insignificant in the grand scheme of eternal existence.

Comrades in Belief: A Call to Shared Faith

The line, "So trust him, Comrade / You for you, and I, for you and me" reinforces the theme of shared faith and mutual support. Dickinson directly addresses the reader as a "Comrade," inviting them to join her in unwavering trust. This is not a solitary act of faith, but a collective one. The phrase "You for you, and I, for you and me" suggests a reciprocal relationship where each person's faith strengthens the faith of others. It conveys a sense of community and solidarity in the face of life's challenges, underlining the idea that faith is a shared journey rather than a lonely one.

Final Reflections: A Poem of Hope and Resilience

In conclusion, "They Leave Us With The Infinite" is a powerful testament to the enduring strength of faith in the face of loss. Dickinson uses striking imagery and a tone of quiet conviction to convey her belief in a God of immense power and unwavering support. The poem's emphasis on shared faith and the promise of eternity provides a message of hope and resilience, suggesting that even in the face of profound grief, there is solace to be found in the boundless embrace of the Infinite. It is a reminder of the comfort and strength that can be derived from faith, particularly when facing life’s inevitable departures.