“When they come back — if blossoms do” (#1080) by Emily Dickinson
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When they come back — if Blossoms do —
I always feel a doubt
If Blossoms can be born again
When once the Art is out —
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When they begin, if Robins may,
I always had a fear
I did not tell, it was their last Experiment
Last Year,
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When it is May, if May return,
Had nobody a pang
Lest in a Face so beautiful
He might not look again?
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If I am there — One does not know
What Party — One may be
Tomorrow, but if I am there
I take back all I say —
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Full text courtesy of RepeatAfterUs
Emily Dickinson’s poems are lovely. This one always reminds me of spring because of the obvious imagery. But I also like the undercurrent of doubt and malaise brought on by the narrator’s doubts. What if this is it? is a scary question that many people face. And this poem addresses that in the thoughtful, nuanced way one would expect from Dickinson.
My favorite stanza is the last. And I especially like the last line. We all have doubts, but if they are proven false, the narrator is willing to admit that. I’ve always thought this poem was extremely optimistic and found myself thinking about it a lot recently so I decided today was a good day to share it.
Miss Print 