Griefs by Emily Dickinson (1890)

Name: Griefs
Author: Emily Dickinson

The poem explores the theme of grief and its effects on the human psyche. It describes a state of emotional numbness and disconnection from the world, where the individual feels isolated and disconnected from others. The speaker's emotions are frozen in time, unable to move forward or let go of their pain.

By Emily Dickinson · First published 1890 · Genre: Poetry, Lyric, Philosophical · 320 words

First lines

I measure every grief I meet / With analytic eyes; / I wonder if it weighs like mine, / Or has an easier size.

I wonder if they bore it long, / Or did it just begin?

I could not tell the date of mine, / It feels so old a pain.

I wonder if it hurts to live, / And if they have to try, / And whether, could they choose between, / They would not rather die.

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Griefs 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, Lyric, Philosophical, Psychological, Reflective
Length: 320 words
Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Genres

Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and reflections, typical of lyric poetry.
Philosophical — The poem explores existential themes such as the nature of grief and the human condition.
Psychological — The poem delves into the psychological aspects of grief and personal suffering.