Nuts!

Recently I’ve been posting about a page on Wikipedia that lists all of Emily Dickinson’s poems  Though most of the first lines listed are linked to each poem's text at Wikisource (usually its first publication), that is not true for all, and I’ve been looking into the reasons why the poems might not be linked.

However, since it’s October 1st, I thought I’d pause from that endeavor today and, instead, post one of Dickinson’s three poems which mentions the month of October, “The Robin's my Criterion for Tune.”

Certainly, on its surface, the poem is about how individuals are products of their environments.  A California surfer dude who grew up in Nebraska instead would likely be farming corn.  A Georgia Peach transplanted to the Big Apple would probably cultivate more cosmopolitan ways.

I mean, look at that fifteenth line of Dickinson’s poem: “I see – New Englandly.”  LOL – could it have been said any better?

Another point of view in this poem is a bit political.  It was written in 1861 at the start of the Civil War, and – perhaps some history buffs can chime in – I understand that while Queen Victoria did not support the Confederacy (on May 13, 1861, she issued a proclamation declaring the United Kingdom's neutrality) some of her behaviors may be construed as contradictory.  Many believed that the British Empire did support the Confederacy because they needed Confederate cotton for their factories; also, Brits were building ships for the Confderate Navy. Hence, the Queen discerned – as noted in the poem – “provincially.”

In line 9, Dickinson considered the word “clover” over “Daisies,” but she stuck with “Daisies” – and just FYI:  Dickinson’s nickname was Daisy – so back to the politics:  Is this in some sly way a reference to herself (and her support of the Union) – and the “provincial” Queen and those who were “Britain born” would “Daisies spurn”? (lines 8 & 9).

Of course, I selected this poem for today due to its mention of “October,” and I haven’t even mentioned that yet!  The month’s moniker occurs in line 10, and with that line along with the mention of robins and buttercups, orchards, nuts, and “the Snow’s Tableau,” Dickinson covers every season of the year.  

But I love that tenth line:  “None but the Nut – October fit”  My birthday is the 3rd of this month, and perhaps no truer statement has ever been made: “None but the Nut – October fit.”  LOL.

Now back to the history buffs:  I know y’all know why October is the tenth month when “OCT” should signify the eigth.

Hail, Caesar!