Heart, Not So Heavy As Mine, Emily Dickinson: Summary & Analysis

In "HEART, NOT SO HEAVY AS MINE," Emily Dickinson explores the contrasting emotions of the speaker's heavy heart and the lighter, carefree heart of another passing by. The poem reflects on the power of simple melodies to offer comfort and relief in moments of sorrow and longing. HEART, NOT SO HEAVY AS MINE Heart, not so heavy as mine Wending late home — As it passed my window Whistled itself a tune — A careless snatch — a ballad — A ditty of the street — Yet to my irritated Ear An Anodyne so sweet — It was as if a Bobolink Sauntering this way Carolled, and paused, and carolled — Then bubbled slow away! It was as if a chirping brook Upon a dusty way — Set bleeding feet to minuets Without the knowing why! Tomorrow, night will come again — Perhaps, weary and sore — Ah Bugle! By my window I pray you pass once more. Summary "HEART, NOT SO HEAVY AS MINE" explores the juxtaposition of the speaker's heavy heart and the light-heartedness of another person passing by. …