Dickinson - poem 236 p.81

Poem 236, from my first impression, involves religion. Being religion the center of the piece it pronounces strong statements about religion to the narrarator's own beliefs. The structure, punctuation, and the verses, particularly the last one, all make this piece what it is, impressive.

Is this from Dickinson's own point of view? The voice and tone to me is argumentive and emphasizes her view on the rules in a religion. The verses are like statements. "Some keep the Sabbath going to Church- I keep it, staying Home-". There's a harsh break between "Some keep the Sabbath goint to Church-..." then she comprimises that commonality with "I keep it, staying Home-..."

As as her reader, I grew up as a Catholic, so I already have judgments and preconsumptions about the subject. As if relating to her, my own feelings come up about how I view my religion. By the "Sexton" singing instead of "tolling the Bell," wearing her wings instead of "keeping the Sabbath a Surplice," and having "an Orchard, for a Dome-" remind me we all have our own opinions about how we view our religion. I learned of what we believe and today I've disconnected myself from that. I believe authors let you translate their works into whatever you want, yet sometimes poems are questionable because you may not be as knowledgable about the subject, for example, not knowing about the author can leave you straying for an explanation about a verse in a piece.

I notice how some words are capitalized. I see many poems have this. Poems can break away from technicalities of writing. Some of these capitalized words I didn't know the meaning of. "Bobolink" is an American bird. "Surplice" - a clerical investment. "Sexton" - a minor official in a church. Thinking of Bobolink and the Orchard made the piece seem light hearted, showing a bright side of the narrarator's personality. There are three versus. The last one is like a conclusion. The first two explain her opinions on things, and she concludes. I think this versus can be viewed in countless ways. The saying, " So instead of getting to Heaven, at last- I'm going, all along." Is she saying although the narrarator does different things from the norm that she will still go to heaven? It's not a question, "all along" seems like a finalization. The poem seemed carefree about beliefs and way of life.

Beautiful

You are beautiful
no doubt you are.

My laugh lines are the products of smiling with my friends and loved ones.
My wrinkles show that I'm not afraid of change.
My dark circles under my eyes are highlighted, not concealed.
My loved one remembers me by my huge freckles.
My small eyes are windows to a beautiful heart
My lips are full and ready to show case my smile
My skin keeps me covered during harsh winter months

In the name of beauty, let every woman embrace her
Femininity. Herself.