Emily Dickinson

I can’t say that I actually enjoy Emily Dickinson’s work, but some of it is rather interesting. Amongst the poems that seem to be all about death I found a couple that I think have a slightly more optimistic tone, and I mean slightly.

The first stanza of “Success is Counted Sweetest” is motivating to me. To quote one of my favorite songs, “You’ve got to lose to know how to win.” A similar message is apparent in this poem. Those who only know success may rest on their laurels and expect it to happen all the time even without putting forth an effort- those sweet nectars of victory are taken for granted because such a person has never tasted a bitter defeat. I just think that it’s important to always have something to strive for even when you feel like you’re on top. There is always something you can do to improve yourself.

Another poem I appreciate, “I Like a Look of Agony”, isn’t a happy poem; but I think it’s important. Every day here, and especially around student election time, I’m surrounded by people who have smiles permanently plastered across their faces. Don’t get me wrong, I love to smile. I would say I laugh more than the average person. I’m quite happy, chipper, and downright silly sometimes. I’m no enemy to happiness, but as human beings we have bad days sometimes. There is just no way a person can be happy inside and out all day every day. I’ve seen kids break down crying at night after keeping up this charade of overwhelming sunshine, and they’ll vent to me about how they feel like they have to be perfect to be liked. People are far from perfect. I’d much rather be friends with someone who walks around looking pissed off every now and then than someone who is trying to hide real feelings. After a while it just seems phony. People try too hard to please others, making themselves out to be something they’re not even when on the inside they’re hurt and just need a hug.