Emily Dickinson

When Diamonds Are a Legend

poem 397

When Diamonds Are a Legend - meaning Summary

Private Adornment Asserted

The poem contrasts grand, mythical symbols of wealth with the speaker’s modest, self-made adornments. Diamonds and diadems are described as legend and tale, while the speaker creates brooches and earrings to sow and sell. Though little esteemed now, the speaker claims past recognition for this craft, once favored by a queen and once by a butterfly. The voice emphasizes personal industry and quieter forms of value against fading public esteem.

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When Diamonds are a Legend, And Diadems a Tale I Brooch and Earrings for Myself, Do sow, and Raise for sale And tho’ I’m scarce accounted, My Art, a Summer Day had Patrons Once it was a Queen And once a Butterfly

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