Enough

By Emily Elizabeth Dickinson

    God gave a loaf to every bird,     But just a crumb to me;     I dare not eat it, though I starve, --     My poignant luxury     To own it, touch it, prove the feat     That made the pellet mine, --     Too happy in my sparrow chance     For ampler coveting.     It might be famine all around,     I could not miss an ear,     Such plenty smiles upon my board,     My garner shows so fair.     I wonder how the rich may feel, --     An Indiaman -- an Earl?     I deem that I with but a crumb     Am sovereign of them all.

Share & Analyze This Poem

Spread the beauty of poetry or dive deeper into analysis

Analyze This Poem

Discover the literary devices, structure, and deeper meaning

Create Image

Transform this poem into a beautiful shareable image

Copy to Clipboard

Save this poem for personal use or sharing offline


Share the Love of Poetry

Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Analysis & Notes:
This poem is a poignant exploration of gratitude, satisfaction, and the human condition. Its primary theme is the appreciation of the smaller, more humble aspects of life, symbolized by the "crumb" given to the speaker. The speaker contrasts their own humble portion with the "loaf" given to every bird, emphasizing the humility and simplicity of their own life.

The tone of the poem is reverent and content, with the speaker expressing gratitude for their "crumb" and claiming sovereignty over the rich, despite their material wealth. This suggests a deep satisfaction with their lot in life and a critique of materialism and excess.

The structure of the poem is simple and direct, mirroring the simplicity of the speaker's life. The use of the metaphor of a "crumb" and a "loaf" for life's blessings is a standout literary device, reflecting the speaker's humble life and contentment. The speaker's claim of feeling like a "sovereign" despite their humble life hints at the idea that true wealth and happiness come from appreciating what one has, not coveting more. This poem thus serves as a thought-provoking commentary on the nature of human contentment and the true value of material wealth.

Exploring Lyric Poetry

Lyric poetry is a powerful and intimate form of expression, characterized by its focus on the personal emotions and thoughts of the poet. Often musical in nature, lyric poems resonate with readers through their vivid language and rhythmic flow, capturing moments of intense feeling.


Here are some key characteristics that define lyric poetry:

  • Expressive Language: Lyric poems use rich and evocative language to convey deep emotions, often painting a vivid picture of the poet's inner world.
  • Personal Perspective: Typically written in the first person, these poems offer a window into the poet's personal experiences, thoughts, and reflections.
  • Musicality: Lyric poems often feature a rhythmic structure, with meter and rhyme that give them a song-like quality, enhancing the emotional impact.

From ancient odes to contemporary free verse, lyric poetry remains a beloved and enduring form, celebrated for its ability to articulate the nuances of human emotion in a way that resonates deeply with readers.