She lay as if at play

Emily Dickinson

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369

She lay as if at play
Her life had leaped away—
Intending to return—
But not so soon—

Her merry Arms, half dropt—
As if for lull of sport—
An instant had forgot—
The Trick to start—

Her dancing Eyes—ajar—
As if their Owner were
Still sparkling through
For fun—at you—

Her Morning at the door—
Devising, I am sure—
To force her sleep—
So light—so deep—

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Comments4
  • ngan27j55522717

    I remember reading this Emily Dickinson poem when I was younger. It's interesting how her imagery captures the playfulness of life and death.

    • adolfokeech375

      AMAZING POETRY BY EMILY DICKINSON! I ELT A BIT CONFUSE AT FIRST, BUT AFTER I READ IT A COUPLE TIMES, I STARTED TO GET IT. LOVE THE WAY SHE DESCRIBED THE GIRL... SO VIVID AND BEAUTIFUL! ITS LIKE I COULD SEE HER IN MY MIND. POERTY IS SO POWERFUL. THANKS FOR SHEARING THIS ONE. ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFYL!

      • dwightlacy869

        REMINDS ME OF CHILDHOD READS, EMILY DICKISON'S REAL GOOD. 'HER MERRY ARMS, HALF DROPT'.

        • olengandy673

          ABSOLUTELY INTRIGUED BY "SHE LAY AS IF AT PLAY". KINDA HAUNTING YET PLAYFUL AT THE SAME TIME. ANYONE KNOW WHAT'S 'THE TRICK TO START' REFERRING TO? REALLY GOT ME THINKING ABOUT THIS ONE!