To Make A Prairie It Takes A Clover And One Bee,

By Emily Elizabeth Dickinson

Haiku
    To make a prairie it takes a clover and one bee, --     One clover, and a bee,     And revery.     The revery alone will do     If bees are few.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
Emily Dickinson’s poem distills the essence of nature’s quiet abundance into a mere four lines, yet it conveys profound ecological and philosophical insights. The poem’s economy of language mirrors the simplicity it describes, where a single clover and bee suffice to conjure an entire prairie. The repetition of one clover and a bee underscores the minimalism required for creation, suggesting that nature’s grandeur emerges from small, often overlooked interactions. The introduction of revery a state of dreamy contemplation adds a layer of human perception, implying that imagination can compensate for the scarcity of physical elements. The final line, If bees are few, subtly hints at fragility, warning that the delicate balance of ecosystems depends on seemingly insignificant components. Dickinson’s poem thus becomes a meditation on both the resilience and vulnerability of natural and imaginative worlds, reminding readers that beauty and complexity often arise from the simplest of elements. The poem’s brevity belies its depth, encapsulating a timeless truth about the interdependence of nature and human thought.

Understanding Haiku

A haiku is a brief, image-driven poem that captures a moment of perception—often in nature— using crisp detail and a subtle turn. English haiku often echo the classic 3-line shape.

Core characteristics of haiku:

  • Concise Form: Traditionally three lines; in English, many follow a 5-7-5 syllable pattern, though contemporary practice may loosen counts for natural speech.
  • Seasonal Sense (kigo): A word or image that implies the time of year—blossom, frost, cicadas.
  • Cutting Turn (kireji): A pause or pivot that juxtaposes two images; in English this is often signaled by punctuation or a line break.
  • Concrete Imagery: Show, don’t tell—sensory details over explanation; present-tense immediacy.
  • Light Touch: No titles or rhyme needed; restraint and openness invite the reader’s insight.
  • Subject & Tone: Nature, seasons, small human moments—quiet, clear, and resonant.

Haiku works by juxtaposition and suggestion: two small images meet, and the meaning sparks in the space between them.