The poem explores themes of love, loss, and the passage of time through a metaphorical storm that serves as a backdrop for the speaker's emotional turmoil. The speaker describes a long storm that has been raging, with lightning illuminating the darkness. The storm is a symbol of the intense emotions that have been building up inside the speaker. A rainbow appears after the storm, and the speaker sees it as a sign of hope and promise. However, the rainbow is also described as a rose, which suggests that even in the midst of turmoil, beauty can still be found. The poem ultimately suggests that love and loss are intertwined, and that the passage of time can both heal and hurt.
By Emily Dickinson · First published 1850 · Genre: Poetry, Nature, Philosophical