How Long Will the Poet Continue Drinking Alcohol?

Answer

How long will the poet continue drinking alcohol or nectar from nature?

In Emily Dickinson’s (1830 – 1886) poem “I Taste a Liquor Never Brewed” (1861), the poet expresses her deep joy and endless love for nature. She compares it to a sweet, intoxicating drink. This drink is not made from ordinary materials but from the pure essence of nature itself. The poet’s celebration of nature is so intense. She vows to continue this joyful excess forever, as described in the following points.

Drinking Beyond the Limits of Nature: The poet compares herself to bees and butterflies. She also drinks nectar from flowers. However, while these creatures eventually stop drinking, the poet will continue endlessly. She says, 

When ‘Landlords’ turn the drunken Bee 

Out of the Foxglove’s door – 

When Butterflies – renounce their ‘drams’ – 

I shall but drink the more!

This means that even when the bees and butterflies are done, she will still keep enjoying the beauty of nature.

Celebrating Until Angels Notice: The poet imagines that her endless joy will even attract the attention of heavenly beings. She writes, 

Till Seraphs swing their snowy Hats – 

And Saints – to windows run –.

Here, the poet suggests that she will continue her celebration of nature until even the angels and saints in heaven take notice and come to see her happiness.

Forever Leaning Against the Sun: In the final image, the poet describes herself as a “little Tippler” who leans against the sun. This powerful image shows that her love for nature is vast. She is metaphorically leaning against the very source of life itself. This indicates that her joy will last as long as the sun shines.

In conclusion, the poet’s celebration of nature is not just a momentary pleasure but a continuous, eternal joy that will never fade.