poetry texts, poem archive at plagiarist.com

Read more poems by Emily Dickinson: Emily Dickinson Poems at Poetry X.

172

'Tis so much joy! 'Tis so much joy!
If I should fail, what poverty!
And yet, as poor as I,
Have ventured all upon a throw!
Have gained! Yes! Hesitated so—
This side the Victory!

Life is but Life! And Death, but Death!
Bliss is, but Bliss, and Breath but Breath!
And if indeed I fail,
At least, to know the worst, is sweet!
Defeat means nothing but Defeat,
No drearier, can befall!

And if I gain! Oh Gun at Sea!
Oh Bells, that in the Steeples be!
At first, repeat it slow!
For Heaven is a different thing,
Conjectured, and waked sudden in—
And might extinguish me!

Added: 19 Aug 2002 | Last Read: 7 Jun 2025 4:34 PM | Viewed: 15230 times

A PoetryNotes™ Analysis of 'Tis so much joy! 'Tis so much joy! by Emily Dickinson, is Available!

A PoetryNotes™ eBook is available for this poem for delivery within 24 hours, and usually available within minutes during normal business hours.

ON SALE - only $29.95 19.95!

For more information...