Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE CONTRACT by EMILY DICKINSON

Poet Analysis

First Line: I GAVE MYSELF TO HIM
Last Line: INSOLVENT, EVERY NOON.
Subject(s): LOVE - MARITAL; WEDDED LOVE; MARRIAGE - LOVE;
I GAVE myself to him,
And took himself for pay.
The solemn contract of a life
Was ratified this way.

The wealth might disappoint,
Myself a poorer prove
Than this great purchaser suspect,
The daily own of Love

Depreciate the vision;
But, till the merchant buy,
Still fable, in the isles of spice,
The subtle cargoes lie.

At least, 't is mutual risk, --
Some found it mutual gain;
Sweet debt of Life, -- each night to owe,
Insolvent, every noon.



Home: PoetryExplorer.net