I Have A King Who Does Not Speak, Emily Dickinson: Summary & Analysis
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"I HAVE A KING, WHO DOES NOT SPEAK" by Emily Dickinson reflects the speaker's contemplation of their relationship with a silent king, likely a reference to God. The poem explores the speaker's alternating emotions of seeking divine guidance and rebelling against it. Through vivid imagery and contrasting emotions, Dickinson captures the complexities of faith, doubt, and human nature. I HAVE A KING, WHO DOES NOT SPEAK
I have a King, who does not speak —
So — wondering — thro' the hours meek
I trudge the day away —
Half glad when it is night, and sleep,
If, haply, thro' a dream, to peep
In parlors, shut by day.
And if I do — when morning comes —
It is as if a hundred drums
Did round my pillow roll,
And shouts fill all my Childish sky,
And Bells keep saying "Victory"
From steeples in my soul!
And if I don't — the little Bird
Within the Orchard, is not heard,
And I omit to pray
"Father, thy will be done" today
For my will goes the other way…