Longing by Emily Dickinson (1890)
The poem explores the speaker's intense emotional longing for a person who has left them. The speaker describes their emotions as a physical sensation that cannot be satiated by external means. They express a deep sense of loss and yearning, which is intensified by the passing of time. The poem suggests that this longing is an inherent part of human experience, and that it can never truly be fulfilled.
By Emily Dickinson · First published 1890 · Genre: Poetry, Lyric, Romantic · 188 words
First lines
I envy seas whereon he rides, I envy spokes of wheels Of chariots that him convey, I envy speechless hills
That gaze upon his journey; How easy all can see What is forbidden utterly As heaven, unto me!
I envy nests of sparrows That dot his distant eaves, The wealthy fly upon his pane, The happy, happy leaves
That just abroad his window Have summer's leave to be, The earrings of Pizarro Could not obtain for me.
What this Textopian page supports
Longing 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, Romantic, Metaphysical
- Length: 188 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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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.
- Romantic — Themes of longing and admiration align with Romantic literary traditions.
- Metaphysical — The poem explores abstract concepts such as envy and unattainable desires, common in metaphysical poetry.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Nature Imagery · Love Poetry · Longing · Yearning · Melancholy · Solitude · Isolation · Existentialism · Philosophy