Trust in the Unexpected
poem 555
Trust in the Unexpected - meaning Summary
Belief Drives Discovery
The poem reflects on the role of faith or conviction in driving discovery and action. Dickinson lists historical and legendary figures—William Kidd seeking buried gold, the alchemist with the philosopher’s stone, Columbus guided by an apparition, and the doubting Thomas—to show how belief in the unseen compels risk, revelation, or acceptance. The concluding note suggests a paradox: not perceiving may be preferable if one is able to believe, emphasizing trust in unpredictable or inexplicable forces as the engine of pursuit and meaning.
Read Complete AnalysesTrust in the Unexpected By this was William Kidd Persuaded of the Buried Gold As One had testified Through this the old Philosopher His Talismanic Stone Discernéd still withholden To effort undivine ‘Twas this allured Columbus When Genoa withdrew Before an Apparition Baptized America The Same afflicted Thomas When Deity assured ‘Twas better the perceiving not Provided it believed
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