Following by Emily Dickinson (1891)
The poem explores the theme of mortality and the afterlife, with the speaker describing a journey to an unknown destination where she will be reunited with loved ones who have died. The poem's tone is contemplative and introspective, with the speaker reflecting on the nature of death and the possibility of an afterlife. She describes the experience as one of transformation, where the soul is freed from its earthly constraints and can move freely into the unknown. Throughout the poem, the speaker uses imagery and metaphor to convey a sense of longing and yearning for this destination, which she sees as a place of peace and rest. The poem's final lines suggest that the journey is one of release and liberation, where the soul is finally free from the burdens of life.
By Emily Dickinson · First published 1891 · Genre: Poetry, Lyric, Philosophical · 175 words
First lines
I had no cause to be awake, My best was gone to sleep, And morn a new politeness took, And failed to wake them up,
But called the others clear, And passed their curtains by.
Sweet morning, when I over-sleep, Knock, recollect, for me!
I looked at sunrise once, And then I looked at them, And wishfulness in me arose For circumstance the same.
What this Textopian page supports
Following 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, Philosophical, Religious, Nature
- Length: 175 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a focus on rhythm, meter, and imagery, characteristic of poetry.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and thoughts, typical of the lyric genre.
- Philosophical — The themes explore existential and introspective ideas, reflecting on life and consciousness.
- Religious — References to Sabbath and prayer suggest a spiritual or religious undertone.
Tags
Poetry · Nature · Death · Mortality · Existentialism · Philosophy · Spirituality · Faith · Doubt · Uncertainty · Solitude · Loneliness