
Father, I Bring Thee not myself
The poem explores the speaker's relationship with God and their sense of unworthiness. They feel they are bringing nothing to the divine presence, only themselves, which they consider inadequate. The poem touches on themes of humility, spirituality, and the human condition.
By Emily Dickinson · First published 1890 · Genre: Poetry, Lyric, Religious · 74 words
First lines
Father, I bring thee not myself, -- That were the little load; I bring thee the imperial heart I had not strength to hold.
The heart I cherished in my own Till mine too heavy grew, Yet strangest, heavier since it went, Is it too large for you?
What this Textopian page supports
Father, I Bring Thee not myself is listed on Textopian as a poem by Emily Dickinson, dated 1890 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Emily Dickinson
- Date: 1890 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Lyric, Religious, Metaphysical
- Length: 74 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Father, I Bring Thee not myself by Emily Dickinson
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Father, I Bring Thee not myself?
- How does this poem by Emily Dickinson fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a focus on rhythm and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and thoughts, typical of lyric poetry.
- Religious — The poem addresses a higher power, suggesting themes of spirituality and devotion.
- Metaphysical — The poem explores abstract concepts such as the nature of the heart and its burdens, aligning with metaphysical themes.
Tags
Poem · Verse · Literary · Philosophical · Spiritual · Religious · Personal · Intimate · Confessional · Autobiographical · Existential · Meditative
More by Emily Dickinson