March by Emily Dickinson (1861)
The poem explores the theme of time and its passage, using the metaphor of a month to convey the fleeting nature of life. The speaker reflects on how quickly March has arrived, bringing with it the promise of renewal and growth. However, this new beginning is also tinged with melancholy, as the speaker acknowledges that winter's chill will soon give way to summer's heat.
By Emily Dickinson · First published 1861 · Genre: Poetry, Nature, Symbolism · 103 words
First lines
We like March, his shoes are purple, He is new and high; Makes he mud for dog and peddler, Makes he forest dry; Knows the adder's tongue his coming, And begets her spot.
Stands the sun so close and mighty That our minds are hot.
News is he of all the others; Bold it were to die With the blue-birds buccaneering On his British sky.
What this Textopian page supports
March is listed on Textopian as a poem by Emily Dickinson, dated 1861 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: 1861 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Nature, Symbolism, Personification
- Length: 103 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for March 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 March?
- 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
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing rhyme and meter typical of poetry.
- Nature — The themes and imagery focus on natural elements and the changing seasons.
- Symbolism — The poem uses symbolic language to convey deeper meanings about March and its characteristics.
- Personification — March is personified with human attributes, such as wearing shoes and having intentions.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Nature Imagery · Death and Mortality · Spirituality · Philosophy · Existentialism · Free Verse · Symbolism · Imagery · Metaphor