Before the Ice is in the Pools
The poem explores themes of mortality and the fleeting nature of life. It describes a moment when the speaker's loved one has passed away, leaving behind only memories. The speaker reflects on how their absence is felt in everyday moments, like the changing seasons. The poem suggests that even though death brings an end to physical presence, it also marks a new beginning for the soul.
By Emily Dickinson · First published 1891 · Genre: Poetry, Lyric, Nature · 127 words
First lines
Before the ice is in the pools, Before the skaters go, Or any cheek at nightfall Is tarnished by the snow,
Before the fields have finished, Before the Christmas tree, Wonder upon wonder Will arrive to me!
What we touch the hems of On a summer's day; What is only walking Just a bridge away;
That which sings so, speaks so, When there's no one here, -- Will the frock I wept in Answer me to wear?
What this Textopian page supports
Before the Ice is in the Pools is listed on Textopian as a poem by Emily Dickinson, dated 1891 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: 1891 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Lyric, Nature, Symbolism, Romanticism
- Length: 127 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Similar titles
- My Cricket by Emily Dickinson
- T Was Later When The Summer Went by Emily Dickinson
- My November Guest by Robert Frost
- A Light Exists In Spring by Emily Dickinson
- November by Emily Dickinson
- A Charm Invests A Face by Emily Dickinson
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and thoughts, typical of lyric poetry.
- Nature — The imagery and themes revolve around natural elements like ice, snow, and seasons.
- Symbolism — The poem uses symbolic language to convey deeper meanings beyond the literal text.
Tags
Poetry · Nature · Seasonal · Autumn · Imagery · Symbolism · Metaphor · Personification · Free Verse · American Literature · 19th Century · Existentialism