Too Late by Emily Dickinson (1890)
The poem explores the theme of regret and longing for a lost opportunity. The speaker reflects on a moment that has passed, realizing too late that it was a chance to connect with someone or something meaningful. The tone is melancholic and introspective, with a sense of resignation and acceptance.
By Emily Dickinson · First published 1890 · Genre: Poetry, Lyric, Elegy · 166 words
First lines
Delayed till she had ceased to know, / Delayed till in its vest of snow / Her loving bosom lay. / An hour behind the fleeting breath, / Later by just an hour than death, -- / Oh, lagging yesterday!
Could she have guessed that it would be; / Could but a crier of the glee / Have climbed the distant hill; / Had not the bliss so slow a pace, -- / Who knows but this surrendered face / Were undefeated still?
Oh, if there may departing be / Any forgot by victory / In her imperial round, / Show them this meek apparelled thing, / That could not stop to be a king, / Doubtful if it be crowned!
What this Textopian page supports
Too Late 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, Elegy, Philosophical, Romantic
- Length: 166 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for Too Late by Emily Dickinson
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Similar titles
- Childish Griefs by Emily Dickinson
- As By The Dead We Love To Sit by Emily Dickinson
- Waiting by Emily Dickinson
- Lost Joy by Emily Dickinson
- I Gained It So by Emily Dickinson
- Heart Not So Heavy As Mine 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 reflections, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Elegy — Themes of death and mourning are central, aligning with the elegiac tradition.
- Philosophical — The poem contemplates existential themes such as time, death, and the nature of victory.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Mortality · Loss · Regret · Longing · Nature Imagery · Symbolism · Existential Crisis · Philosophical Themes · Spirituality