Alarms Quote by Emily Dickinson
“The Loneliness One dare not sound -- And would as soon surmise AS in its Grave go plumbing To ascertain the size -- The Loneliness whose worst alarm Is lest itself should see -- And perish from before itself For just a scrutiny -- The Horror not to be surveyed -- But skirted in the Dark -- With Consciousness suspended -- And Being under Lock -- I fear me this -- is Loneliness -- The Maker of the soul Its Caverns and its Corridors Illuminate -- or seal”
About This Quote
Source Poem: Unpublished manuscript, 1860s
Loneliness is a hidden terror that haunts the soul, feared when examined too closely.
In simple terms: Loneliness feels terrifying when truly examined.
Key Takeaway
Accept solitude without fearing its depth.
Themes
loneliness
fear
self‑reflection
Mood
melancholic
contemplative
Type
poetic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal introspection
- creative writing
- mental health therapy
Key Concepts
existential dread
inner darkness
Questions to Reflect On
- How does confronting loneliness change you?
- What parts of yourself hide in solitude?
A Different Perspective
The quote may romanticize isolation, ignoring benefits of connection.
