Tag: desire

I asked no other thing

Pam and BrennaLeave a comment

I asked no other thing,
No other was denied.
I offered Being for it;
The mighty merchant smiled.

Brazil? He twirled a button,
Without a glance my way:
“But, madam, is there nothing else
That we can show to-day?”

~Emily Dickinson

One of the superpowers of poetry is its ability to remind us that we are not alone, that no matter how isolated we may feel, there are other human voice speaking to us from across continents, oceans, centuries.

This poem is no exception. Everyone has experienced this–the feeling that the one thing we want is the only thing we can’t have. Brazil? Sure! You can have an entire country! Just not this one thing you really, really want.

At least, in our wanting, we are not alone.

Anticipation

Pam and BrennaLeave a comment

Who never wanted,—maddest joy
Remains to him unknown;
The banquet of abstemiousness
Surpasses that of wine.

Within its hope, though yet ungrasped Desire’s perfect goal,
No nearer, lest reality
Should disenthrall thy soul.

~Emily Dickinson

I am firmly in the Emily Dickinson camp on this issue–anticipation is better than actuality. The maddest joy comes not in the moment of realizing a happiness, but in the hope for it. What do you think?