Emily Dickinson | “Heaven” has different Signs—to me—
Yet another poem by Dickinson shows not only her versatility but her ability to speak to different aspects of death, grief, and mourning. In this particular work, Dickinson muses about the concept of “Heaven.” It would seem, on Dickinson’s part, that Heaven is still a profound mystery, but that we catch glimpses of “the place/That Men call ‘paradise’–” in our everyday intersections with nature. Her use of imagery — connecting perceptions of heaven with the natural world — paints a beautiful picture of what the afterlife may look like. Surely, her lyrics will ease the pain of mourning and comfort those who have lost loved ones in this present life.
“Heaven” has different Signs—to me—
Sometimes, I think that Noon
Is but a symbol of the Place—
And when again, at Dawn,
A mighty look runs round the World
And settles in the Hills—
An Awe if it should be like that
Upon the Ignorance steals—
The Orchard, when the Sun is on—
The Triumph of the Birds
When they together Victory make—
Some Carnivals of Clouds—
The Rapture of a finished Day—
Returning to the West—
All these—remind us of the place
That Men call “paradise”—
Itself be fairer—we suppose—
But how Ourself, shall be
Adorned, for a Superior Grace—
Not yet, our eyes can see—
–Emily Dickinson
Tags: death poetry, Emily Dickinson, Heaven
