Delayed Till She Had Ceased to Know, Emily Dickinson: Summary & Analysis
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In "Delayed Till She Had Ceased to Know" by Emily Dickinson, the poet contemplates the idea of death's timing and its impact on a departing soul. Through intricate language and vivid imagery, the poem explores the tension between life's temporal nature and the eternal realm beyond. Dickinson reflects on the uncertainty of whether departing souls are aware of the victory they might have achieved and whether their consciousness lingers after their earthly presence fades away. Delayed Till She Had Ceased to Know
Delayed till she had ceased to know —
Delayed till in its vest of snow
Her loving bosom lay —
An hour behind the fleeting breath —
Later by just an hour than Death —
Oh lagging Yesterday!
Could she have guessed that it would be —
Could but a crier of the joy
Have climbed the distant hill —
Had not the bliss so slow a pace
Who knows but this surrendered face
Were undefeated still?
Oh if there may departing be
Any forgot by Victory
In her imperial round —
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