In Emily Dickinson's poem "My Life Had Stood - A Loaded Gun," the speaker personifies their life as a loaded gun, suggesting that they have been waiting to be used or fired. This metaphor can be interpreted in a few different ways, each of which provides insight into the speaker's mindset and circumstances.
One interpretation of the poem is that the speaker's life is a loaded gun that is waiting to be used in the service of something or someone else. The speaker says that their life "had stood - a Loaded Gun - / In Corners - till a Day / The Owner passed - identified - / And carried Me away," implying that they have been waiting for someone to claim them and put them to use. This interpretation suggests that the speaker feels like their life has been on hold or that they have been waiting for some purpose or direction.
Another interpretation of the poem is that the speaker's life is a loaded gun that is waiting to be fired, perhaps in a moment of violence or conflict. The speaker says that their life "had stood - a Loaded Gun - / And all the Skies were tied / With Eyelids - Red with Slaughter -" and "The Owners - placed the Barrels / Just where the Butter used to be -", suggesting that they are ready to be used in a destructive way. This interpretation suggests that the speaker feels like they are on the brink of some kind of violence or conflict and that they are ready to participate in it.
A third interpretation of the poem is that the speaker's life is a loaded gun that is waiting to be fired in the service of self-expression or creativity. The speaker says that their life "had stood - a Loaded Gun - / And however I have dared - / Since - till a Day - the Owner passed - / Identified - I know not how - / The Sights - were wedged against the Bone -", implying that they have been waiting for someone to recognize their potential and give them the opportunity to express themselves. This interpretation suggests that the speaker feels like they have something to say or contribute, but that they have been waiting for someone to give them the chance to do so.
Overall, "My Life Had Stood - A Loaded Gun" is a complex and evocative poem that invites multiple interpretations. Whether the speaker's life is a loaded gun waiting to be used in the service of someone or something else, waiting to be fired in a moment of violence or conflict, or waiting to be fired in the service of self-expression, the metaphor suggests that the speaker feels like they have been waiting for something to happen and that they are ready to take action when the time comes.
