Emily Dickinson | After Great Pain, A Formal Feeling Comes
Emily Dickinson remains one of the chief poets on the difficult subject of death. On one hand, her pieces can be dark or dismal; on the other, she can also speak hope and light into a verse. In addition to these, her works can enlighten the reader to experiences surrounding death or pain, as is the case of the poem I’d like to share with you today. It’s known as “After a Great Pain, A Formal Feeling Comes”, and speaks to the stages and processes of grieving a loved one’s death.
After great pain, a formal feeling comes–
The Nerves sit ceremonious, like Tombs–
The stiff Heart questions was it He, that bore,
And Yesterday, or Centuries before?
The Feet, mechanical, go round–
Of Ground, or Air, or Ought–
A Wooden way
Regardless grown,
A Quartz contentment, like a stone–
This is the Hour of Lead–
Remembered, if outlived,
As Freezing persons recollect the Snow–
First–Chill–then Stupor–then the letting go–
–Emily Dickinson
I think it’s important to understand that grieving the loss of life is a process — one that takes time. It’s also something you don’t have to do alone. For this reason, Valley of Life offers forums for connecting, sharing, and helping others who are journeying through grief. We encourage you use these forums as a guide for your own process of bereavement.
