Emily Dickerson Quote Explanations

“Forever is composed of nows”

This quote can represent the idea of living in the moment. To live forever, one must live in the moment, and cannot tally on trying to predict the future or reminisce over the past.

“That it will never come again is what makes life so sweet."

The truly beautiful things in life are those that are truly rare. Things that are common are less likely to be cherished or appreciated. Once something is gone, however, one tends to yearn for it more than they ever had when it was in great supply.

"If I can stop one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain."

Heartbreak is one of the more painful things a human can go through. Losing someone you love or finding your love unrequited can be hard to deal with at times. However, if you are someone who can save another from such torment, through returning love of caring for them, then you have saved their life to some degree.

"If I read a book and it makes my whole body so cold no fire can ever warm me, I know that is poetry."

Poetry is an artform that truly makes you feel. Books have a sort of relatability to them, but their point is not to move someone to the degree poetry does. Poetry’s one and only purpose is to instill emotion into a reader, and powerful emotion can not be shaken off lightly.

"This is my letter to the world that never wrote to me"

The world is a harsh place to live. It is unforgiving, and at times can be cruel. However, one must try their best to make do. They have to help themselves even when their surroundings do not.

"Saying nothing sometimes says the most."

Silence is a very powerful tool. Words can deceive and mislead, but silence can not do these things. When someone is silent, you can feel the discomfort that words can mask, or see through lies words can weave. Silence is a bringer of truth.

"I dwell in possibility..."

One that dwells is possibility is someone who strives for the best. They look for their potential future and make the best one they can. They work towards being the best self they can be.

"Nature is haunted house-- but Art-- is a house that tries to be haunted."

This quote is one that is describing art. Art tries to mimic the world it lives in, however it is impossible for it to capture all that world entails.

"Parting is all we know of Heaven, and all we need of Hell."

When someone dies, the common belief is that they will go to the afterlife. This description of afterlife is all we know, and is only truly seen when we die. Those that are alive must deal with that loss, and must cope with the suffering it brings.

"I have bent and broken, but - I hope- into a better shape."

Life is filled with struggles and hardships. Sometimes, through dealing with these hardships, one begins to change as a person. They have to adapt to their situation, and one can only hope that that adaptation is for the better.

"in this short life that only lasts an hour how much- how little- is within our power."

The lifespan of a human is short when compared to eternity. It is the goal of all humans to live this short life to the fullest.  They must figure out all that they can do, and what they cannot not do, in the little time they have.

"Whenever a thing is done for the first time, it releases a little demon."

Temptation is something all people must deal with. When someone experiences something new, they can be allured by that thing once again, especially if it is a good experience. The little demon can be seen as the potential for addiction and abusing whatever activity one does.

"To shut your eyes is to travel."

When one shuts their eyes, they begin to eliminate the distractions around them. With their eyes closed, they can be anywhere or do anything through their imagination. The moments of peace when one closes their eyes can be a wonderful experience and a break from the struggles of life.

"open me carefully."

There are many things people hide from others. The things that people hide can be ugly or dark, and many times are best left unknown. One must be careful when digging into someone because they may learn something they never wanted to know.

"Till I loved I never liked enough."

Liking something and loving something are two entirely different things. Liking someone is simple, and doesn’t entail much from either party and neither are truly devoted to one another. When two people love someone, however, they are put in an unbreakable bond, and would do anything for one another. One can never like someone wholly until they love them.