I Many Times Thought Peace had Come
The poem explores the theme of fleeting peace and the cyclical nature of conflict. The speaker describes a moment of calm, but notes that it is short-lived and gives way to renewed violence. The poem suggests that true peace may be an unattainable goal, and that even in moments of tranquility, the threat of war remains.
By Emily Dickinson · First published 1846 · Genre: Poetry, Lyric, Philosophical · 69 words
First lines
I many times thought peace had come, When peace was far away; As wrecked men deem they sight the land At centre of the sea,
And struggle slacker, but to prove, As hopelessly as I, How many the fictitious shores Before the harbor lie.
What this Textopian page supports
I Many Times Thought Peace had Come is listed on Textopian as a poem by Emily Dickinson, dated 1846 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: 1846 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Lyric, Philosophical, Metaphysical
- Length: 69 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing meter and rhyme, characteristic of poetry.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and thoughts, typical of lyric poetry.
- Philosophical — The themes explore abstract concepts such as peace and hope, indicative of philosophical literature.
- Metaphysical — The use of metaphor and exploration of existential themes align with metaphysical poetry.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Existentialism · Philosophy · Spirituality · Mortality · Nature Imagery · Symbolism · Imagery · Metaphor · Free Verse