I Reason, Earth is Short
The poem explores the speaker's perception of time and mortality. The speaker believes that life on Earth is short, and this realization prompts a sense of urgency to make the most of one's existence. The poem touches on themes of existentialism, the fleeting nature of human experience, and the importance of living in the present moment.
By Emily Dickinson · First published 1846 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Reflective · 89 words
First lines
I reason, earth is short, And anguish absolute, And many hurt; But what of that?
I reason, we could die: The best vitality Cannot excel decay; But what of that?
I reason that in heaven Somehow, it will be even, Some new equation given; But what of that?
What this Textopian page supports
I Reason, Earth is Short 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, Philosophical, Reflective, Religious
- Length: 89 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a focus on rhythm and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Philosophical — The themes explore existential questions about life, death, and the afterlife, which are central to philosophical inquiry.
- Reflective — The poem reflects on personal and universal experiences of life and mortality, encouraging introspection.
- Religious — The mention of heaven and the contemplation of an afterlife suggest religious themes.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Philosophy · Existentialism · Nature · Mortality · Spirituality · Free Verse · Symbolism · Imagery · Metaphor