What is the meaning of the poem titled'Cedar Chest'?

For many generations, a cedar chest has been the safe-keeping place for a girl's treasures as she grows older and contemplates her future life. Two poems are titled "The Cedar Chest." Only one of them refers to the actual wood box; the other is metaphorical.

Hiram Gensler

In 2009, Hiram Gensler wrote and published a poem he titled "The Cedar Chest." It is part of a collection he called "Marirose Memorial Poetry." Gensler must have loved his Marirose throughout a long marriage in order to create such a tribute to her storing her treasures in a cedar chest. His poem is literal; he mentions shining the surface of the wood and the keepsakes inside.

Christopher Morley

Christopher Morley's poem "The Cedar Chest" is a metaphor rather than a poem about an actual object. He uses the idea or image of a woman's cedar chest to represent Emily Dickinson's lifelong ritual of concealing her poetry until it was found at her death.

The Metaphor

Choosing to use the cedar chest as a representation of Emily Dickinson's hidden treasures is a particularly apt selection. She spent her entire life as a maiden, living in her parent's home and keeping herself from view even when important guests attended to visit with her.

Future Plans

Like a young girl planning to be a bride one day and working on her collection of embroidered linens, Emily Dickinson labored for hours, days and even years creating her most beautiful and meaningful poetry. Then, as if it were just tablecloths and napkins, she hid her work from public view.

Some Imperfect Details

When Morley writes about Dickinson's quietness, he is probably accurate. His selections of "fragrant folds" and "sprigs of rhyme" extend the metaphor of linens stored with herbs such as thyme appropriately. However, the implication that her words are tremulous, small, and sweet is not pleasing to those who admire the strength and brilliance of her insights.

Source:

Read Book Online: The Cedar Chest

My Angel Marirose: The Cedar Chest