A Tongue -- to tell Him I am true!

Read 'A Tongue -- to tell Him I am true!' by 'Emily Dickinson' and provide your summary and literary analysis in the comments section below.

A Tongue -- to tell Him I am true! by Emily Dickinson

 A Tongue -- to tell Him I am true!
Its fee -- to be of Gold --
Had Nature -- in Her monstrous House
A single Ragged Child --

To earn a Mine -- would run
That Interdicted Way,
And tell Him -- Charge thee speak it plain --
That so far -- Truth is True?

And answer What I do --
Beginning with the Day
That Night -- begun --
Nay -- Midnight -- 'twas --
Since Midnight -- happened -- say --

If once more -- Pardon -- Boy --
The Magnitude thou may
Enlarge my Message -- If too vast
Another Lad -- help thee --

Thy Pay -- in Diamonds -- be --
And His -- in solid Gold --
Say Rubies -- if He hesitate --
My Message -- must be told --

Say -- last I said -- was This --
That when the Hills -- come down --
And hold no higher than the Plain --
My Bond -- have just begun --

And when the Heavens -- disband --
And Deity conclude --
Then -- look for me. Be sure you say --
Least Figure -- on the Road --

Form: Free verse Comments

Comments About This Poem

Share your interpretation, favorite passage, or thoughts about this famous poem. Please provide an in-depth and meaningful comment.

  • What do you think the poet was trying to say?
  • Which line had the biggest impact on you?
  • How does this poem relate to modern life?
  • What literary devices did you notice?
No comments have been posted yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace