Words Wednesday is a recent weekly feature on the blog that explores words of inspiration from well-known authors and provides uplifting, mid-week “food for thought.”
I dwell in Possibility –
A fairer House than Prose –
More numerous of Windows –
Superior – for Doors –Of Chambers as the Cedars –
Impregnable of eye –
And for an everlasting Roof
The Gambrels of the Sky –Of Visitors – the fairest –
Emily Dickinson, “I Dwell in Possibility” — (466), Poetry Foundation
For Occupation – This –
The spreading wide my narrow Hands
To gather Paradise –
I chose this poem by Emily Dickinson for today’s “Words Wednesday” feature because it gives a refreshing message of hope, one that is perhaps particularly needed with the current state of a pandemic that at times seems hopeless.
I tend to interpret this poem as Dickinson explaining her love for writing poetry versus writing prose. With her words “I Dwell in Possibility” in contrast to the following line, “A fairer House than Prose,” Dickinson seems to be contrasting poetry (i.e. “Possibility”) to “Prose.” She shows how poetry gives her the power and freedom to express herself.
I particularly love the last two lines: “The spreading wide my narrow Hands / To gather Paradise –” It expresses an immense joy that comes from writing. Through writing, one can explore and gather the treasure trove of ideas that the world has to offer.
Food for Thought:
Whether poetry or prose, words are powerful. Through reading and writing, we can “gather Paradise” as Dickinson expresses in this poem.
Perhaps more than ever, words can help us get through the difficult times we are facing. Have you found reading and/or writing to be particularly helpful in challenging times?
I encourage you to pick up a book to read or a pen/pencil to write some of your own poems, stories, or prose. Don’t be afraid of whether you are any “good” or not; All of us have words to share with others or with ourselves, words that have the power to “gather Paradise.”
Happy reading (and writing)! 🙂
Tirza Reads 