I Never Lost as Much but Twice
The poem explores the theme of loss and grief, with the speaker reflecting on a past experience where they lost something precious. The tone is melancholic and introspective, with the speaker acknowledging that this particular loss was one of their most significant. The poem's structure and language contribute to its somber atmosphere, with short sentences and simple vocabulary creating a sense of directness and honesty. The use of repetition emphasizes the speaker's emotional state, underscoring the depth of their sorrow. Through the poem, the speaker grapples with the nature of loss and how it affects them. They seem to be searching for meaning or solace in their grief, but ultimately conclude that they have lost something irreplaceable. The poem raises questions about the human experience of loss and how we cope with it. It suggests that some losses are more profound than others, and that the speaker's experience is one of profound sorrow.
By Emily Dickinson · First published 1890 · Genre: Poetry, Lyric, Religious · 66 words
First lines
I never lost as much but twice, And that was in the sod; Twice have I stood a beggar Before the door of God!
Angels, twice descending, Reimbursed my store. Burglar, banker, father, I am poor once more!
What this Textopian page supports
I Never Lost as Much but Twice 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, Existential
- Length: 66 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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Similar titles
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- Gone by John Greenleaf Whittier
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- Uncomforted by James Whitcomb Riley
- The Lost Path by James Whitcomb Riley
- Evening by Emily Dickinson
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing rhyme and meter typical of poetry.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and reflections, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Religious — The poem references God and angels, indicating themes of spirituality and divine intervention.
- Existential — The poem explores themes of loss, identity, and the human condition, aligning with existential concerns.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Mortality · Loss · Grief · Regret · Memory · Nostalgia · Philosophy · Existentialism · Self-Discovery