Emily Dickinson's poem "A Murmur in the Trees—to Note" captures the enchantment and mystery of the natural world. Set in a mysterious and somber atmosphere at night, the poem is narrated by a speaker who describes strange sights and sounds, including shimmering lights, goblin men, and the whispering of trees.
Through the use of exceptional line breaks and unexpected rhymes, Dickinson redefines American poetry. The poem begins with the speaker listening to the murmuring sound of the trees and then gazing at a distant star. In subsequent stanzas, the speaker describes the elegant sound of footsteps and the mystical colors cast along the forest.
Although the sounds and lights the speaker observes are magical and mysterious, she assures readers that there is nothing to fear. In the final stanzas, the speaker celebrates the beauty of nature, including the colorful wings of robins. She concludes by inviting readers to make their own interpretations of the poem, acknowledging that each person may see and experience the natural world differently.
In conclusion, "A Murmur in the Trees—to Note" is a testament to Dickinson's mastery of language and her ability to capture the beauty and mystery of the natural world. The poem invites readers to experience the wonders of nature for themselves and encourages them to interpret its meaning in their own way.
