Question

In the poem "Wild Nights" by Emily Dickinson, most likely what does the "heart in port" represent? the speaker at home with her lover, a favorite boat anchored to a pier, the winds blowing in off the ocean, the night when the speaker sees her lover

Answer 1

In my opinion, it most likely represents the speaker at home with her lover. The heart in port is a metaphor for the peace and calmness that she would feel once she (re)unites with her lover. Now she is torn by the longing because of their separation. Of course, it doesn't necessarily mean that they would be at home - but they would definitely be at a calm place, enjoying their love.