Simplicity

By Emily Elizabeth Dickinson

Lyric Poem
    How happy is the little stone     That rambles in the road alone,     And does n't care about careers,     And exigencies never fears;     Whose coat of elemental brown     A passing universe put on;     And independent as the sun,     Associates or glows alone,     Fulfilling absolute decree     In casual simplicity.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
The poem is a thoughtful meditation on the theme of simplicity and independence, personifying a small stone in the road to embody these virtues. The stone's happiness lies in its solitary existence, free from the constraints and worries that often plague conscious beings, such as careers and emergencies. The tone is contemplative and peaceful, reflecting the stone's serene state of being.

The structure of the poem, with its regular rhythm and rhyme, enhances the calm, steady mood, mirroring the stone's unchanging existence. A standout literary device is the metaphor of the stone's "coat of elemental brown," which the "passing universe put on," suggesting that the stone, though seemingly insignificant, is part of the vast cosmos. This connection to a greater universal order is further emphasized by the stone being "independent as the sun," another celestial body. The final line encapsulates the stone's embodiment of an "absolute decree" through "casual simplicity," reinforcing the poem's general theme of finding contentment in a simple, untroubled existence.

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.