A Service of Song
By Emily Dickinson
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!
Poem Analysis:
Emily Dickinson's poem "A Service of Song" provides a contemplative perspective on the Sabbath, highlighting the poet's unique approach to spirituality and communion with nature. Through its concise yet profound verses, the poem invites readers to reconsider traditional notions of religious observance and find solace in the simplicity of everyday experiences. Let's delve deeper into the themes, imagery, and underlying messages of Dickinson's poem.
Sabbath Observance
The poem opens with a contrast between conventional Sabbath observance and the poet's personal practice. While some individuals attend church services, adhering to formal rituals and religious attire, the speaker chooses to observe the Sabbath in her own way, staying at home amidst nature's beauty. This juxtaposition suggests a divergence from traditional religious customs and emphasizes the speaker's desire for a more intimate connection with the divine.
Communion with Nature
Central to the speaker's Sabbath observance is her communion with nature. Rather than attending church, she finds spiritual fulfillment in the natural world, symbolized by the presence of a "bobolink for a chorister" and an "orchard for a dome." These natural elements serve as her sanctuary, offering a sense of peace and reverence that transcends traditional religious settings. Dickinson portrays nature as a sacred space where one can encounter the divine directly, free from the constraints of organized religion.
Spiritual Freedom
The speaker's Sabbath experience is characterized by a sense of spiritual freedom and liberation. She eschews formal religious practices, opting instead to embrace her own wings as symbols of spiritual elevation. The absence of church bells and formal sermons is replaced by the spontaneous song of a "little sexton," further emphasizing the speaker's departure from institutionalized worship. In doing so, Dickinson celebrates the individual's autonomy in defining their spiritual path and finding fulfillment outside of traditional religious structures.
"A Service of Song" by Emily Dickinson offers a thought-provoking reflection on the Sabbath and the nature of spiritual devotion. Through its lyrical language and vivid imagery, the poem encourages readers to contemplate the essence of true worship and the manifold ways in which individuals can connect with the divine. By privileging personal experience and communion with nature, Dickinson challenges conventional religious norms and invites readers to explore their own paths to spiritual fulfillment.