Valley of Life | Online Memorial Blog

The following poem by Dickinson attempts to explore the emotions those of us feel who have lost a loved one. Dickinson likens feelings of bereavement to that of homesickness, as if to say the departed are like a home which we are far away from and cannot get to. Her observations, I think, are well-reasoned. Furthermore, she elaborates on her homesick metaphor in the second stanza by characterizing how we, “who behind”, continue to grieve — by going to the former “Places” of our loved ones’ lives. Sadly, Dickinson’s final words of this poem couldn’t be more true as she poetically states we can only continue searching and visiting those places, for those we lost we can never truly find again in this life. (more…)

Dickinson writes with timeless insight in her poem, “All But Death Can Be Adjusted”, below. Though only two stanzas in length, she poetically captures the unpredictability of life and the finality of death. Dickinson concludes her poem emphatically with her perspective on death — essentially, once you’re gone, you’re gone – but I think it’s her view of life that is most poignant. Basically, Dickinson tells us that life goes on, and there is power to change, to heal, and to exceed. Similarly, we must also navigate life’s unfortunate realities of stagnation, pain, and failure. (more…)

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. (more…)

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. (more…)

Even though the subject matter of Emily Dickinson’s poetry is often dark, the use of imagery and metaphor in her prose is extraordinary, and Dickinson’s metaphors for death are consistently insightful and intriguing. For instance, in the poem below, she compares death to the stopping of clock that “would not stir for Doctors” and “quivered out of decimals.”  While death can be a harsh reality, Dickinson’s use of metaphor, in essence, subconsciously softens the truth by equating it with something inanimate. Dickinson’s poem, A Clock Stopped, is an excellent example. If you’re searching for poetry to honor the death of a loved one, it seems fitting to use such beautiful and excellent poetry like that of Dickinson.  If not the following poem, you certainly can’t go wrong with any of her other works. (more…)