I shall not live in vain
If I can stop one heart from aching,
I shall not live in vain;
If I can ease one life the aching,
Or cool one pain,
Or help one fainting robin
Unto his nest again,
I shall not live in vain.

What deos Emily Dickinson mean by "I shall not live in vain"?

Thank you!

Question

I shall not live in vain
If I can stop one heart from aching,
I shall not live in vain;
If I can ease one life the aching,
Or cool one pain,
Or help one fainting robin
Unto his nest again,
I shall not live in vain.

What deos Emily Dickinson mean by "I shall not live in vain"?

Thank you!

Answer

It means his life will not have been without purpose, or for nothing. He thinks he will have done something to make the world a better place.

Answer

"I shall not live in vain"= Emily  means that in her lifetime she will make a difference  to others.