James Lewerenz
English 110

Some keep the Sabbath going to Church -

I keep it, staying at Home -

With a Bobolink for a Chorister -

And an Orchard, for a Dome-

Some keep the Sabbath in Surplice

I just wear my Wings -

And instead of tolling the Bell, for Church,

Our little Sexton-sings.

God preaches, a noted Clergyman -

And the sermon is never long,

So instead of getting to heaven, at last -

I'm going, all along.

In this poem Emily Dickinson's speaker illustrates how joyful and fulfilling it is to worship God in one's chosen way and by doing so, can achieve much more personal happiness and satisfaction as opposed to the inescapable pressures and disciplines that the church and modern religion have been known to impose on its parishioners. Although written in the mid-nineteenth century, Dickinson's keen use of metaphors allows a continuing insight to the meaning of freedom of religion. On the surface of the poem, the metaphors of nature and small birds Dickinson has chosen to use almost seem humorous, but are perfect in making a contrast between the conventional confides of the church with the outdoors and the nature that God has created.

At the very beginning, the first metaphor is immediately displayed by the use of the word "Some" in the first line of the first stanza, "Some keep the Sabbath going to Church-." This is used in a condescending manner to insinuate that people who methodically accept the church's discipline and regiment-like ways are missing out on the pleasure of worshipping amongst God's creations. The speaker states that she keeps "the Sabbath" but in a much more pleasurable venue.

In the remaining three lines of the first stanza, the metaphors used afford the reader pleasant imagery. Instead of a choir leader, the speaker utilizes " a Bobolink", a songbird to supply the music so accustomed with organized religion. The actual venue is not a physical structure but "an Orchard." These metaphors are used to convey that one does not need anything more than the natural surroundings to be in the company of the Lord.

The metaphors used in the second stanza continue to provide images of sight and sound. While traditionally certain garments are worn while delivering Mass ("Surplice"), the speaker seems to brag that she will "just wear my Wings." This is further used to convey that she has long been primed for her definite journey to Heaven and doesn't have to hope it will happen, based on her attendance at church. In the last two lines of the stanza, the speaker's comparison of "instead of tolling the bell/ Our little Sexton sings" gives way to a vivid picture of a beautiful bird singing an appropriate introduction to the ceremony that is about to take place. There is no man-made bell to be rung, but rather a refreshing tune from one of God's innocent creatures.

A hint of sarcasm is interjected in the beginning of the third and last stanza with the line "God preaches, [who is] a noted Clergyman- / And the sermon is never long." The speaker seems to ask why would someone want anything but the real thing. Dickinson's speaker gladly explains that she doesn't have to worry about those "long" sermons that usually take place; her sermon comes directly from God, thus it cannot ever be too long or boring. Dickinson's speaker, in a sense, has graciously "cut-out" the middle man, thus receiving more value. The second to the last line, "So instead of getting to Heaven, at last-," the speaker hints at just how much of a gamble it is perceived by people to get to Heaven. It is a popular understanding that people who go to church occasionally or not at all are constantly reminded by those faithful attendees, that Heaven is reserved only for those that display a diligent effort in attending church.

In concluding, the line "I'm going, all along" can be interpreted that the speaker is very confident that there just is no way the she will not go to Heaven; the two words "all, along" can be construed to be an invitation of sort. Dickinson's speaker seems to be saying that she feels as if she is already in Heaven and attempts to entice the reader with the question, "[I]s everyone with me on this; do you all want to go to Heaven?"

Dickinson's use of metaphor in this poem compares the traditional ways of religion and the church with a different perspective. She successfully equates nature with religion through her imagery. The comparisons between the lack of attendance at church has always been correlated with not getting to Heaven, and Dickinson brings welcome support for those that feel differently. The truest form of prayer and belief starts from within a person. Emily Dickinson confirms that with this brief but powerful poem.