Who Never Lost, Are Unprepared
poem 73
Who Never Lost, Are Unprepared - meaning Summary
Victory Requires Prior Loss
Dickinson argues that true honors and recognition require prior hardship. The speaker claims those who have never lost, thirsted, or struggled cannot genuinely receive crowns, treasures, or the right to survey conquered realms. Military and explorer images compress moral tests: scars, colors taken, and promotions mark experience earned through sacrifice. The poem ends by invoking angels to record the soldier’s promotion, suggesting spiritual validation of worldly trials.
Read Complete AnalysesWho never lost, are unprepared A Coronet to find! Who never thirsted Flagons, and Cooling Tamarind! Who never climbed the weary league Can such a foot explore The purple territories On Pizarro’s shore? How many Legions overcome The Emperor will say? How many Colors taken On Revolution Day? How many Bullets bearest? Hast Thou the Royal scar? Angels! Write Promoted On this Soldier’s brow!
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