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 14th, 2009 at 7:12 PM | Viewed: 48812 times | Comments and analysis of I heard a Fly buzz -- when I died by Emily Dickinson Comments (47)

I heard a Fly buzz -- when I died - Comments and Information
Poet: Emily Dickinson Poem: 465. I heard a Fly buzz -- when I died Volume: Complete Poems of Emily Dickinson Year: Published/Written in 1955 Comment 47 of 47, added on June 1st, 2009 at 9:30 AM. christopher christopher, you're a dick Mr. Pickle from United States Comment 46 of 47, added on April 27th, 2009 at 5:17 PM. Good poem! 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 Comment 45 of 47, added on April 14th, 2009 at 7:12 PM. I ran across this site trying to figure out what this poem means all together and i think the comments are good to read and learn from. and no im not fat and ugly your just rude and you even came across this for homework also the same as me. anyway about the poem itself. i did not care much for this one as much as her others. it was difficult to understand and get a good meaning out of it.... Ashley from United States 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 47 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: Jul 4 2009, 7:15AM Viewed 48812 times. Added on April 14th, 2009 at 7:12 PM.

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