Poem Analysis - We Should Not Mind So Small A Flower

A Tiny Flower, A Vast Hope

Emily Dickinson's "We Should Not Mind So Small A Flower" is a deceptively simple poem about the immense power of nature and the restorative potential of even the smallest things. The poem begins with a gentle suggestion, then blossoms into a vibrant celebration of sensory experience and faith. Its tone is initially unassuming, almost apologetic, but it gradually shifts to one of joyful wonder and confident belief. The poem suggests that even a tiny flower can bring back lost joy and connect us to something larger than ourselves.

The Garden Lost and Found

One of the central themes of the poem is the recovery of something lost. The "little garden that we lost" represents a past happiness, a state of innocence, or perhaps a connection to nature that has been diminished or forgotten. The flower, though small, has the power to "bring... Back to the Lawn again" this lost paradise. This suggests that even seemingly insignificant things can trigger powerful memories and feelings, allowing us to reclaim what we thought was gone forever. The poem hints at the cyclical nature of life, loss, and renewal.

Sensory Overload and Spiritual Awakening

The poem also explores the theme of spiritual awakening through sensory experience. Dickinson uses vivid imagery to create a world that is both physically and spiritually rich. The "spicy... Carnations," the "drunken, reel[ing] Bees," and the "silver steal" of flutes create a sensory overload that transcends the purely physical. This abundance of sensory detail acts as a catalyst for faith, allowing the observer to "clear behold" a vision of "Bobolinks around the throne / And Dandelions gold." The poem implies that by fully engaging with the natural world, we can gain access to a deeper, more spiritual understanding of existence. Nature then, becomes a conduit to the divine.

Faith as a Lens

Another key theme is the transformative power of faith. The line "By faith may clear behold" is pivotal. It suggests that the beauty and significance of the flower are not inherent qualities, but rather are revealed through an act of believing. Faith, in this context, acts as a lens that allows us to see beyond the surface and perceive the underlying spiritual reality. The "Bobolinks around the throne / And Dandelions gold" are not literally present, but are symbolic representations of a heavenly realm or a state of perfect happiness made visible through belief. The Dandelions gold are symbolic of hope and faith, turning a regular flower, and common weed into an object of reverence.

A Humble Key to Paradise

The flower itself functions as a central symbol. It represents humility and potential. Its smallness initially suggests insignificance ("We should not mind so small a flower"), but the poem quickly subverts this expectation. The flower becomes a key, unlocking memories, sensory experiences, and ultimately, a vision of paradise. The flower's ability to trigger such a profound experience highlights the potential for even the most unassuming things to hold great power and meaning. Dickinson challenges us to look beyond superficial appearances and recognize the extraordinary within the ordinary.

A Lasting Bloom

In conclusion, "We Should Not Mind So Small A Flower" is a testament to the power of nature to heal and inspire. Dickinson masterfully uses vivid imagery and symbolism to explore themes of loss, recovery, and the transformative potential of faith. The poem suggests that even in the face of loss, we can find solace and renewal in the smallest of things, and that through faith and sensory engagement, we can glimpse a higher reality. The poem's enduring significance lies in its reminder that beauty and meaning can be found in the most unexpected places, waiting only to be discovered through the lens of belief.