Why Do They Shut Me Out of Heaven?
poem 248
Why Do They Shut Me Out of Heaven? - meaning Summary
Longing for Inclusion
The speaker addresses being barred from Heaven and asks why—wondering if her loudness or imperfect, timid song offended. She pleads for one more trial by the Angels rather than a final exclusion, framing the request as small and humble. In the closing stanza she imagines a reversal of roles, picturing herself as the one in authority and the Angels as petitioners, which exposes the poem’s moral impatience with rigid judgment and emphasizes compassion, equality, and the desire for recognition rather than harsh exclusion.
Read Complete AnalysesWhy do they shut Me out of Heaven? Did I sing too loud? But I can say a little ‘Minor’ Timid as a Bird! Wouldn’t the Angels try me Just once more Just see if I troubled them But don’t shut the door! Oh, if I were the Gentleman In the ‘White Robe’ And they were the little Hand that knocked Could I forbid?
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