The World Stands Solemner to Me
poem 493
The World stands solemner to me Since I was wed to Him A modesty befits the soul That bears another’s name A doubt if it be fair indeed To wear that perfect pearl The Man upon the Woman binds To clasp her soul for all A prayer, that it more angel prove A whiter Gift within To that munificence, that chose So unadorned a Queen A Gratitude that such be true It had esteemed the Dream Too beautiful for Shape to prove Or posture to redeem!
The World Stands Solemner to Me - meaning Summary
Marriage Reframes the World
The speaker describes how marriage has made the world feel more solemn and reverent. She adopts a modest, grateful stance toward being "wed": humility, doubt about her worth, and a prayer to become purer appear alongside awe at her partner’s generosity. The poem emphasizes inward change—identity reshaped by another’s name—and mixes gratitude with a sense that such a gift nearly exceeds what reality can justify.
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