It would never be Common -- more -- I said

Read 'It would never be Common -- more -- I said' by 'Emily Dickinson' and provide your summary and literary analysis in the comments section below.

It would never be Common -- more -- I said by Emily Dickinson

 It would never be Common -- more -- I said --
Difference -- had begun --
Many a bitterness -- had been --
But that old sort -- was done --

Or -- if it sometime -- showed -- as 'twill --
Upon the Downiest -- Morn --
Such bliss -- had I -- for all the years --
'Twould give an Easier -- pain --

I'd so much joy -- I told it -- Red --
Upon my simple Cheek --
I felt it publish -- in my Eye --
'Twas needless -- any speak --

I walked -- as wings -- my body bore --
The feet -- I former used --
Unnecessary -- now to me --
As boots -- would be -- to Birds --

I put my pleasure all abroad --
I dealth a word of Gold
To every Creature -- that I met --
And Dowered -- all the World --

When -- suddenly -- my Riches shrank --
A Goblin -- drank my Dew --
My Palaces -- dropped tenantless --
Myself -- was beggared -- too --

I clutched at sounds --
I groped at shapes --
I touched the tops of Films --
I felt the Wilderness roll back
Along my Golden lines --

The Sackcloth -- hangs upon the nail --
The Frock I used to wear --
But where my moment of Brocade --
My -- drop -- of India?

Form: Ballad 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