Having recently been captivated by the cinematic portrayal of Emily Dickinson’s life in “Dickinson” — a poignant tapestry weaving her struggles against the strictures of 19th-century society, gender norms, and familial expectations — I found myself drawn into a deeper exploration of her world. It was in this realm of passionate inquiry where I discovered the hidden jewels of her heart: the poems sent to Susan Gilbert.
In these poems, each word was carefully chosen, a delicate thread in the intricate tapestry of their unspoken bond, revealing the fervent heart of a woman not just ahead of her time, but timeless in her expression of desire and devotion.
To own a Susan of my own
To own a Susan of my own
Is of itself a Bliss —
Whatever Realm I forfeit, Lord,
Continue me in this!
Come with me this morning
Come with me this morning to the church within our hearts,
where the bells are always ringing,
and the preacher whose name is Love
shall intercede for us!
Sue – forevermore!
Sue – forevermore!
I shall keep praying
for you – and you for me –
Sue – forevermore!
Her breast is fit for pearls
Her breast is fit for pearls,
But I was not a “Diver” –
Her brow is fit for thrones
But I have not a crest.
Her heart is fit for home –
I-a Sparrow build there
Sweet of twigs and twine
My perennial nest.
He showed me Heights I never saw
Straight version
He showed me Heights I never saw—
“Would’st Climb—” He said?
I said, “Not so”—
“With me—” He said—With me?”
He showed me secrets—Morning’s Nest—
The Rope the Nights were put across—
And now, “Would’st have me for a Guest?”
I could not find my Yes –
And then, He brake His life—And lo,
A light, for me, did solemn glow,
The larger, as my face withdrew—
And could I further “No”?
The version sent to Susan
I showed her Heights she never saw—
“Would’st Climb,” I said?
She said—”Not so”—
“With me—” I said—With me?
I showed her Secrets—Morning’s Nest—
The Rope the Nights were put across—
And now—”Would’st have me for a Guest?”
She could not find her Yes—
And then, I brake my life—And Lo,
A Light, for her, did solemn glow,
The larger, as her face withdrew—
And could she, further, “No”?
Emily Dickinson’s exploration of love and longing in her poetry is exemplified by her line “He showed me Heights I never saw.” Interestingly, a variant exists in a version sent to Susan Gilbert: “I showed her Heights she never saw.” This change from ‘he’ to ‘she’ not only hints at a deeper, more personal connection with Susan but also challenges 19th-century gender norms.
Scholars and fans debate over which version is the original, with some suggesting the one to Susan might be. This idea positions the poem as a confession of Emily’s deep affection for Susan, revealing a significant aspect of her life and art, particularly given the societal constraints of their time.
The switch to ‘she’ in addressing Susan highlights a hidden dimension of Emily’s emotions and the intimate bond they shared, defying the era’s conventions. “I showed her Heights she never saw” is more than just a poem variant; it’s a glimpse into Dickinson’s inner world, where Susan Gilbert played a crucial role. This version, potentially the original, offers a more authentic view of their relationship, challenging traditional narratives about women’s relationships in their historical context.
Final Word
In Emily Dickinson’s love poems to Susan Gilbert, I find a special kind of love and deep feelings that go beyond what was usual for their time. The first poem, with its beautiful beginning, makes us wish for a love as deep and true as Emily’s for Susan. This strong feeling is shown in the movie “Dickinson,” which helps us see these historical people in a new light.
It’s hard to know if Susan loved Emily or her brother Austin more. The rules of their time might have made Susan marry Austin, but this also let her stay close to Emily. It’s very touching that Susan was the one who took care of Emily’s funeral and wrote about her after she passed away. This shows how strong and lasting their friendship was.
Seeing these poems and how they are shown in “Dickinson” makes us appreciate Emily Dickinson’s work even more. For many people, including you, this has turned a simple interest in school into a deep liking for the poet. The movie not only shows her great writing but also the personal stories behind it. In these poems to Susan, I see the power of words to last through time, showing a love that stayed strong and true, just like the poems themselves.