I heard a Fly buzz -- when I died - A poem by Emily Dickinson

Emily Dickinson - I heard a Fly buzz -- when I died

I heard a Fly buzz -- when I died --
The Stillness in the Room
Was like the Stillness in the Air --
Between the Heaves of Storm --

The Eyes around -- had wrung them dry --
And Breaths were gathering firm
For that last Onset -- when the King
Be witnessed -- in the Room --

I willed my Keepsakes -- Signed away
What portion of me be
Assignable -- and then it was
There interposed a Fly --

With Blue -- uncertain stumbling Buzz --
Between the light -- and me --
And then the Windows failed -- and then
I could not see to see --

Added: on April 27th, 2009 at 5:17 PM | Viewed: 54354 times | Comments and analysis of I heard a Fly buzz -- when I died by Emily Dickinson Comments (48)

I heard a Fly buzz -- when I died - Comments and Information
Poet: Emily Dickinson (Emily Dickinson Art) Poem: 465. I heard a Fly buzz -- when I died Volume: Complete Poems of Emily Dickinson Year: Published/Written in 1955 Comment 48 of 48, added on October 22nd, 2009 at 3:21 PM. i came to this site for an english assigment. to those who commented constructively, i appreciate the input - it gave me a greater insight into the poem, which helped me complete the assignment. as for the rude comment that seems to have riled us all up... it's people like this that give the united states a reputation of ignorance and idiocy. to assume that everyone who posts something helpful on a poem analysis site is "fat and ugly" is moronic. seriously - are we in fifth grade? and as it happens, i enjoy going out clubbing with my friends as well. i go to concerts. i play soccer. i've even been approached to do modeling jobs, which i'm sure shocks you, christopher, as you expect me to be obese and covered in boils. some people actually find intelligence attractive - a concept i'm sure is lost on you entirely. the point is that we are sophisticated and intelligent people who just want to help our fellow students. so keep on posting, everyone - it really is a big help. oh, and christopher? thanks again for perpetuating the "smart-kids-are-lame" stereotype. i'm glad there are people like you in the world; it makes me feel like a freaking genius. Rosetta from United States Comment 47 of 48, added on September 29th, 2009 at 11:50 PM. Hey guy who likes boys christopher. why didn't you show your e- mail address either?? and by the way these sites are for far more intellectual people than yourself. I too go to college and am on here for my literature course. Although i find this site helpful. You must be one sad little person who is probably not even old enough to actually know what it means to go "clubbin" haha. Does it make you feel better about yourself ( who is probably fat and ugly yourself) ridiculing people online who are much more intelligent than you? I bet it does. You obviously have nothing better to do with your time either. Don't be a hypocrite bro. This poem is awesome, apparently people who read it aren't always. go gain some knowledge kid. peace asshole Jordan Hoke from United States Comment 46 of 48, added on April 27th, 2009 at 5:17 PM. First thing that i noticed when i read Dickinson's poem was much emphasiss that she put on the concept of death. During her lifetime, Dickinson must have experienced a lot of sad things since her poems are mostly about 'death'. We could argue that she must have written and was indeed inspired by her lifetime experiences. Like most people have commented, the "fly" might be a sign of the devil snatching away the narrator. the narrator is so sad and might be in such huge pain hence "And breaths were gathering firm...", this could mean that the body and the soul were partying. Dickinson's poems are very exciting to read and they need one to concentrate else it would be difficult to get the meaning of the poem. Otherwise this lady wrote well, she is a genius! Segolame Kalayakgosi from Botswana More Comments >> Are you looking for more information on this poem? Perhaps you are trying to analyze it? The poem, I heard a Fly buzz -- when I died, has received 48 comments. Click here to read them, and perhaps post a comment of your own. Of course you can also always discuss poems by Emily Dickinson with others on the American Poems poetry forum!

Poem Info
Poet: Emily Dickinson Poem: 465. I heard a Fly buzz -- when I died Volume: Complete Poems of Emily Dickinson Year: Published/Written in 1955 Last read: Nov 20 2009, 8:19PM Viewed 54354 times. Added on April 27th, 2009 at 5:17 PM.

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