Emily Dickinson

Troubled about many things

Summary

This poem explores themes of death and the inevitability of mortality, capturing a serene yet haunting scene through vivid imagery. It begins by describing stillness and permanence associated with death, like the 'soldered mouth' and 'hasps of steel' symbolizing the inability to change one's fate. The poem then highlights the stark contrast between life and death, illustrated by the gentle, yet futile actions of handling 'adamantine fingers' that will never wield a thimble again. The setting further enhances this juxtaposition, with buzzing flies and sunlight streaming through a 'freckled pane,' as life continues oblivious to the departed's absence. The final lines underscore a sense of resignation and tranquility in death, with cobwebs swinging as 'indolent housewife, in daisies lain,' suggesting a return to nature and peace in repose.

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How many times these low feet staggered,
Only the soldered mouth can tell;
Try! can you stir the awful rivet?
Try! can you lift the hasps of steel?

Stroke the cool forehead, hot so often,
Lift, if you can, the listless hair;
Handle the adamantine fingers
Never a thimble more shall wear.

Buzz the dull flies on the chamber window;
Brave shines the sun through the freckled pane;
Fearless the cobweb swings from the ceiling—
Indolent housewife, in daisies lain!

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