I Made Slow Riches But My Gain
I made slow Riches but my Gain
Was steady as the Sun
And every Night, it numbered more
Than the preceding One.
Was steady as the Sun
And every Night, it numbered more
Than the preceding One.
All Days, I did not earn the same
But my perceiveless Gain
Inferred the less by Growing than
The Sum that it had grown.
But my perceiveless Gain
Inferred the less by Growing than
The Sum that it had grown.
Analysis and review of the poem
This is a poem of eight lines with two stanzas (quartarin each) by Emily Dickinson. The theme of the poem presents a unique perspective on the nature of wealth and progress. Unlike the sudden acquisition of wealth or the quick possession of money in our today society especially among the youths. According to the poet, the slow and consistent growth suggests a process of organic maturation and accumulation, rather than an external or impulsive event. In today's society, there is false perception of making money quickly which make young people to engage in illegal activities and practices to get it at all cost. The implications of these mindset have made several young folks to end up in jail or died. Some young people have become frustrated in life because they want to acquire wealth in no time. Dickinson notifies that riches accumulate gradually and steadily, like the rising of the sun.
In the poem, the poet's perception of wealth is also distinctive. While she acknowledge fluctuations in daily income, their overall gain is perceived as imperceptible, accruing almost unconsciously. This suggests a deep-seated trust in the natural order of things, where growth and progress unfold patiently and inevitably. Also, the poem's imagery of the sun further reinforces this notion of gradual and sustained growth. The sun's steady ascent and daily reappearance symbolize a consistent and dependable source of wealth, both material and spiritual.
Personally, I observed that the poem upholds perseverance and quiet contemplation which exhibit a serene acceptance of gradually progress in life. It mirrors the belief that true wealth is not acquired through sudden windfalls but through diligent effort and prudent management. I must say that this poem passed a vital information to the youths of our age.
photocredit: Opera mini
(@ adobe stock)
(@ adobe stock)