Valley of Life | Online Memorial Blog

In researching Emily Dickinson’s poems concerning life and death, I came across this little piece on memorials — things by which we remember our loved ones. I thought Dickinson’s treatment of the subject was appropriate and very telling of those objects that may seem insignificant at first but become vastly sentimental when a loved one passes away. And items that once served one purpose now function with another. If you’ve lost someone dear, do you possess something that holds great significance? A tattered picture, an old book, a vivid memory, a prized possession? What is it? Listen as Dickinson poetically considers its power and meaning. (more…)

When I read this poem by Emily Dickinson today, I thought it a profound perspective on love and its enduring qualities. In the two short stanzas below, Dickinson contends that those who love and are loved will never die. While physical immortality is obviously not her assertion, I believe the kinds of immortality she implies to be nearly limitless. For instance, a loved one’s memory lives on, someone’s story is told, a name endures, single actions ripple through the ages — even one’s own blood survives through the bearing of offspring. What a powerful force Love is! And those who endeavor lives filled with it can rest assured some part of who they are will live on forever. (more…)

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. (more…)

I came across this poem of Emily Dickinson’s today and thought it a brilliant observation concerning the untimeliness of death. Her opening line begins an insightful commentary on how we often busy about our lives unaware that tragedy could strike at any moment. And perhaps, on some level, we believe putting death out of our minds will ward it off. Unfortunately, this is simply not the case. Here’s what Dickinson has to say: (more…)

Emily Dickinson is a giant. Not in reality, of course, but in the realm of funeral poetry, she stands a head above the rest. With literally hundreds of poems concerning life and death, Dickinson offers those who mourn comfort, understanding, and, perhaps most importantly, a way to meaningfully communicate a difficult subject. Though many of her works are haunted by gloom and sadness, her words beautifully express the darkness of death and leave us with glimpses of hope for the future. Below, Dickinson’s poem, “Farewell,” is an excellent example. (more…)