Emily Dickinson | If I Should Die
I know, Dickinson again, but what can I say? She writes about death, grief, life, and loss like no one else. In this particular piece, Dickinson writes with a twinge of sarcasm about how “business” will always continue when life does not. It would appear she’s not a fan of ‘stocks’, ‘Trades’, and ‘Commerce’. At least, that’s what I see at first glance. Probing further, however, I think it’s fair to say Dickinson also implies a sense of comfort in the fact that the bustle of life continues, and she no longer has to endure it. Finally, what really drew me to this poem was the lyrical meter and imagery. Dickinson’s word choice and placement read elegantly in the lines below.
If I Should Die
If I should die,
And you should live—
And time should gurgle on—
And morn should beam—
And noon should burn—
As it has usual done—
If Birds should build as early
And Bees as bustling go—
One might depart at option
From enterprise below!
‘Tis sweet to know that stocks will stand
When we with Daisies lie—
That Commerce will continue—
And Trades as briskly fly—
It makes the parting tranquil
And keeps the soul serene—
That gentlemen so sprightly
Conduct the pleasing scene!
–Emily Dickinson
Tags: Emily Dickinson, If I Should Die
