E-Text

Emily Dickinson's Collected Poems

Part Four: Time and Eternity 120. There's something quieter than sleep

DEAD.


There's something quieter than sleep

Within this inner room!

It wears a sprig upon its breast,

And will not tell its name.


Some touch it and some kiss it,

Some chafe its idle hand;

It has a simple gravity

I do not understand!


While simple-hearted neighbors

Chat of the 'early dead,'

We, prone to periphrasis,

Remark that birds have fled!

Study Guide for Emily Dickinson’s Collected Poems

Emily Dickinson's Collected Poems study guide contains a biography of Emily Dickinson, literature essays, a complete e-text, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

Read the Study Guide for Emily Dickinson’s Collected Poems…

Essays for Emily Dickinson’s Collected Poems

Emily Dickinson's Collected Poems essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of Emily Dickinson's poems.

View our essays for Emily Dickinson’s Collected Poems…

Wikipedia Entries for Emily Dickinson’s Collected Poems

View Wikipedia Entries for Emily Dickinson’s Collected Poems…