A Country Burial by Emily Dickinson
This poem explores the theme of mortality and the afterlife through a description of a country burial. The speaker reflects on the finality of death and the transience of human life, noting that even in rural settings where nature seems eternal, death can occur suddenly and without warning. The poem also touches on the idea that death is not just an end to physical existence but also a transition to another realm or state of being.
By Emily Dickinson · First published 1890 · Genre: Poetry, Elegy, Metaphysical · 56 words
First lines
Ample make this bed.
Make this bed with awe; / In it wait till judgment break / Excellent and fair.
Be its mattress straight, / Be its pillow round; / Let no sunrise' yellow noise / Interrupt this ground.
What this Textopian page supports
A Country Burial is listed on Textopian as a poem by Emily Dickinson, dated 1890 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Emily Dickinson
- Date: 1890 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Elegy, Metaphysical, Symbolism
- Length: 56 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a focus on rhythm and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Elegy — The themes of death and burial suggest a mournful reflection, typical of an elegy.
- Metaphysical — The poem explores themes of life, death, and the afterlife, which are central to metaphysical literature.
- Symbolism — The use of symbols such as the bed and judgment day conveys deeper meanings beyond the literal text.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · Death · Mortality · Nature · Isolation · Solitude · Grief · Loss · Existentialism · Philosophy · Symbolism