We never know how high we are--poetry analysis

With the extra time this past weekend, I began researching some poetry to put in my poetry journal. I’m picky about my poetry, so I scrutinized each and every poem, choosing only a select few for the journal. In the end, one of the best ones I found was written by Emily Dickinson. Characteristic of Emily Dickinson, the poem has no title; however, it goes something like this,

“We never know how high we are
Till we are called to rise;
And then, if we are true to plan,
Our statures touch the skies—

The Heroism we recite
Would be a daily thing,
Did not ourselves the Cubits warp
For fear to be a King—“

Not only did love the message of the poem, but it also boasts many interesting characteristics. The first thing that caught my eye was “Cubits,” a word I have never heard used in the English language. According to answers.com, a cubit is “an ancient unit of linear measure, originally equal to the length of the forearm from the tip of the middle finger to the elbow, or about 17 to 22 inches (43 to 56 centimeters).”
If Cubit is a unit of measurement, a warped Cubit would be an inaccurate measurement. Used in this context, the speaker is saying that we are mismeasuring ourselves (“Did not ourselves the Cubits warp”) and thus undercutting our abilities because we are too afraid to live up to our full potential.
Another important thing to look at in this poem is the tone change between the first and second stanza. In the first four lines, the speaker boasts of humanity’s ability to “touch the skies,” using a proud and hopeful tone. However, in an abrupt switch, the speaker then discusses how humanity cannot live up to its full potential because it undercuts its abilities. In these last four lines the tone is much more pessimistic and upsetting.
I think it’s important to consider what causes this change. Why would Dickinson’s tone change so abruptly between the first and second stanzas?
It appears that the speaker makes this transition to juxtapose the two different fates humanity can choose. On one hand, as shown in the first stanza, people who choose to plan and believe can fulfill their dreams. On the opposing end, those who undercut their abilities, fail to touch the sky “for fear to be a king.” The rapid transition shows the stark discrepancies between the two fates. The structure of the poem also helps portray its meaning. Each line starts far to the left, and the next line is slightly indented. This structure makes the lines appear as if they are falling to the right. In the same manner, people who underestimate their abilities fall from their thrown because they do not believe they have the capabilities to handle such responsibilities. Thus, the “falling” structure of the poem parallels humanities fall from excellence.
In the end, it was the message that really drew me to the poem. Through her complex structure and wording, Dickinson tells the world that it can do anything, if only everyone believes. To me, that is a very refreshing sentiment.