Heart not so Heavy as Mine
The poem explores the theme of love and loss, with the speaker describing a heart that is weighed down by sorrow. The poem's tone is melancholic and introspective, with the speaker reflecting on the pain of losing someone they loved. The language is simple yet powerful, conveying the depth of emotion felt by the speaker.
By Emily Dickinson · First published 1890 · Genre: Poetry, Lyric, Nature · 159 words
First lines
Heart not so heavy as mine, Wending late home, As it passed my window Whistled itself a tune, --
A careless snatch, a ballad, A ditty of the street; Yet to my irritated ear An anodyne so sweet,
It was as if a bobolink, Sauntering this way, Carolled and mused and carolled, Then bubbled slow away.
It was as if a chirping brook Upon a toilsome way Set bleeding feet to minuets Without the knowing why.
What this Textopian page supports
Heart not so Heavy as Mine 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, Nature, Romanticism
- Length: 159 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Heart not so Heavy as Mine by Emily Dickinson
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Heart not so Heavy as Mine?
- How does this poem by Emily Dickinson fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Outlet by Emily Dickinson
- I Bring An Unaccustomed Wine by Emily Dickinson
- Experiment To Me by Emily Dickinson
- Not With A Club The Heart Is Broken by Emily Dickinson
- Childish Griefs by Emily Dickinson
- Angels In The Early Morning by Emily Dickinson
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing rhyme and meter typical of poetry.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and thoughts, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Nature — The imagery and themes involve elements of nature, such as birds and brooks.
- Romanticism — The focus on emotion, nature, and individual experience aligns with Romantic literary themes.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Nature Imagery · Death and Mourning · Love and Longing · Solitude · Inner Turmoil · Emotional Depth · Symbolism · Imagery · Metaphor