Before the ice is in the pools —
Before the skaters go,
Or any check at nightfall
Is tarnished by the snow —

Before the fields have finished,
Before the Christmas tree,
Wonder upon wonder
Will arrive to me!

What we touch the hems of
On a summer’s day —
What is only walking
Just a bridge away —

That which sings so — speaks so —
When there’s no one here —
Will the frock I wept in
Answer me to wear?

Analysis, meaning and summary of Emily Dickinson's poem Before the ice is in the pools

5 Comments

  1. Emile Moelich says:

    This poem probably refers to the season before winter, which is fall.

  2. big one says:

    This is a ok poem i dont really get it. i dont really get most of her poems. but if i did understand them i bet there good poems.

  3. big one says:

    This is a ok poem i dont really get it. i dont really get most of her poems. but if i did understand them i bet there good poems.

  4. bill says:

    alot of emily dickensons poems are dramatic and sad, but if you hum the gilligans theme song while you read it it seems alot more cheerful

  5. Audren Glass says:

    The rhythm of the poem touches me. It reminds me of a verse from an old folk song called Little Bessie. The lines go like this:

    Just before the lamps were lighted,
    Just before the children came,
    When the room was very quiet
    I heard someone call my name.

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