Civilisation-spurns-the Leopard!
Was the Leopard- bold?
Deserts-never rebuked her Satin-
Ethiop- her Gold-
Tawny- her Customs-
Spotted- her Dun Gown-
This was the Leopard’s nature- Signor-
Need- a keeper-frown?
Pity- The Pard-that left her Asia-
Memories- of Palm-
Cannot be stifled-with Narcotic-
Nor suppressed-with Balm-
What is it about? Good question. In my opinion, not that it always counts for much, I think it is on the first level about nature and obviously a caged leopard, but the fact that 'the Pard' is a her is ver revealing. Dickinson wrote many poems about women being confined to roles, labels and by men so it seems ideal that the 'Signor' be the keeper and the Leopard be the woman. On a more positive note, the last stanza states that she will never be 'suppressed- with Balm'. Indeed. Keeper watch out!
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2 comments:
Yes. That's how I read the last few words. No cage, no narcotic can suppress forever the leopard's essential unforgivingness - and her threat of revenge perhaps?
oh i do hope her revenge ;) heehee
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