I Had Some Things That I Called Mine, Emily Dickinson: Summary & Analysis
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"I HAD SOME THINGS THAT I CALLED MINE" by Emily Dickinson humorously portrays the speaker's realization that their possession of certain things is challenged by a higher power, likely a reference to God. The poem humorously explores themes of ownership, rivalry, and divine intervention through the lens of a playful legal metaphor. The speaker's resolve to seek justice and the choice of "counsel" add a lighthearted touch to the poem's contemplation of human desires and the idea of divine providence. I HAD SOME THINGS THAT I CALLED MINE
I had some things that I called mine —
And God, that he called his,
Till, recently a rival Claim
Disturbed these amities.
The property, my garden,
Which having sown with care,
He claims the pretty acre,
And sends a Bailiff there.
The station of the parties
Forbids publicity,
But Justice is sublimer
Than arms, or pedigree.
I'll institute an "Action" —
I'll vindicate the law —
Jove! Choose your counsel —
I r…