You Know That Portrait in the Moon --

16 lines

Emily Dickinson·1830–1886·Lyric·American lyric poetry

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Summary Meaning

The poem explores the interplay between perception and imagination, centering on the ambiguous figure seen in the moon as a symbol of elusive truth and the human tendency to project meaning onto natural phenomena. Its symbolic resonance lies in the moon as a canvas for subjective interpretation, questioning the stability of representation and the boundary between reality and illusion. Philosophically, Dickinson engages with Romantic and Transcendentalist ideas of intuition and the sublime, suggesting that knowledge is mediated by the mind's creative faculties. The literary tone is intimate and contemplative, blending childlike wonder with a subtle skepticism that undercuts certainty.

ou know that Portrait in the Moon --

So tell me who 'tis like --

The very Brow -- the stooping eyes --

A fog for -- Say -- Whose Sake?

The very Pattern of the Cheek --

It varies -- in the Chin --

But -- Ishmael -- since we met -- 'tis long --

And fashions -- intervene --

When Moon's at full -- 'Tis Thou -- I say --

My lips just hold the name --

When crescent -- Thou art worn -- I note --

But -- there -- the Golden Same --

And when -- Some Night -- Bold -- slashing Clouds

Cut Thee away from Me --

That's easier -- than the other film

That glazes Holiday --

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