because i could not stop for death

Because I could not stop for Death—
He kindly stopped for me—
The Carriage held but just Ourselves—
And Immortality.

We slowly drove—He knew no haste
And I had put away
My labor and my leisure too,
For His Civility—

We passed the School, where Children strove
At Recess—in the Ring—
We passed the Fields of Gazing Grain—
We passed the Setting Sun—

Or rather—he passed us—
The Dews drew quivering & chill—
For only Gossamer, my Gown—
My Tippet—only Tulle—

We paused before a House that seemed
A Swelling of the Ground—
The Roof was scarcely visible—
The Cornice—in the Ground—

Since then—'tis Centuries—and yet
Feels shorter than the Day
I first surmised the Horses' Heads
Were toward Eternity—




-emily dickenson


this is one of my favorites

Glad that somebody else here likes Dickinson. I really like the way she uses the rythm of the words. I like the imagery in this piece. I think the lines "Because I could not stop for Death— He kindly stopped for me" are perfect. But somehow I don´t like the ending of the poem. It feels like it´s cut off. Like there´s words missing.

I prefer "I felt a funeral, in my Brain". There is a copy of it further down, under "How to read --? " Do you like it?

I think all Dickinson poems sort of cut you off at the end. I've always liked this one too. I also like "I heard a fly buzz when I died"

Impressing

i don't like emily. i think she is just a big gingerbread hoax, she sure has you guys fooled.

Quote:

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Originally posted by Wilfred
i don't like emily. i think she is just a big gingerbread hoax, she sure has you guys fooled.

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could you explain that to me please?

Never heard of her as I said before it is "Impressing" I look for Emily now

I have to write a shortish essay, an 'interpretation task' to be more precise, on this poem, with the question "What timeless concerns does the poem make about life and death?" and I was wondering if anyone had any ideas.

Thankyou.

My Gosh... I'm dumbfounded.. Excuse my naivety but that is what I call some serious poetry. What an absolutely gorgeous notion to find death wisp you away in a chase and four and take you to eternity for death has no sublime route. How absolutely marvelous. I must read more from her.

This poem really is very touching. It made me think about several things which this poem is trying to say. I liked it Emily !