I Read my Sentence Steadily
The poem explores the idea of a steady and deliberate pace, contrasting with the fleeting nature of life. The speaker's steady reading of their sentence serves as a metaphor for the importance of slowing down and appreciating the present moment. The poem touches on themes of mortality, impermanence, and the value of mindfulness.
By Emily Dickinson · First published 1859 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Religious · 135 words
First lines
I read my sentence steadily, Reviewed it with my eyes, To see that I made no mistake In its extremest clause, --
The date, and manner of the shame; And then the pious form That "God have mercy" on the soul The jury voted him.
I made my soul familiar With her extremity, That at the last it should not be A novel agony,
But she and Death, acquainted, Meet tranquilly as friends, Salute and pass without a hint -- And there the matter ends.
What this Textopian page supports
I Read my Sentence Steadily is listed on Textopian as a poem by Emily Dickinson, dated 1859 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: 1859 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Religious, Psychological
- Length: 135 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing rhyme and meter typical of poetry.
- Philosophical — The themes explore existential concepts such as death, the soul, and the afterlife.
- Religious — References to God and the soul suggest religious undertones.
- Psychological — The poem delves into the internal experience and emotional preparation for death.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Mortality · Nature Imagery · Symbolism · Existentialism · Philosophy · Spirituality · Death · Life After Death · Inner Turmoil