'If you were coming in the Fall' by Emily Dickinson

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If you were coming in the Fall,
I'd brush the Summer by
With half a smile, and half a spurn,
As Housewives do, a Fly.

If I could see you in a year,
I'd wind the months in balls—
And put them each in separate Drawers,
For fear the numbers fuse—

If only Centuries, delayed,
I'd count them on my Hand,
Subtracting, till my fingers dropped
Into Van Dieman's Land.

If certain, when this life was out—
That yours and mine, should be
I'd toss it yonder, like a Rind,
And take Eternity—

But, now, uncertain of the length
Of this, that is between,
It goads me, like the Goblin Bee—
That will not state—its sting.

Editor 1 Interpretation

If You Were Coming in the Fall: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Oh, Emily Dickinson! What a great poet she was! Her poems are full of depth, meaning, and beauty. One such poem is "If You Were Coming in the Fall," which is a poignant and introspective piece of poetic literature. The poem is a metaphorical examination of love, longing, and the complexities of human relationships. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will delve deeper into the poem's themes, imagery, structure, and style, and explore what makes it so powerful and enduring.

An Overview of the Poem

The poem opens with a hypothetical situation - the speaker is imagining the arrival of a loved one in the fall. She then goes on to detail the preparations she would make if this were to happen. However, the second stanza reveals the speaker's uncertainty about whether the person will indeed come. The poem then takes a more introspective turn, as the speaker reflects on her own emotional state and the nature of her relationship with the person she is addressing. The poem concludes with a sense of resignation and acceptance, as the speaker acknowledges that she may never see this person again, and that life goes on regardless.

Imagery and Metaphor

Throughout the poem, Dickinson uses vivid and poignant imagery to convey the speaker's emotions and the complexities of the situation she is describing. One of the most striking images in the poem is the reference to the "quivering bush." This is a powerful metaphor for the speaker's emotional state - she is anxious, uncertain, and trembling with anticipation at the thought of seeing her loved one again. Similarly, the reference to "the orchard for a dome," creates a sense of intimacy and warmth, as if the speaker is creating a special and private space for their reunion.

The autumnal imagery throughout the poem is also highly significant. Autumn is a season of change, of transition from one phase of life to another. It is a time of harvest, of bringing in the fruits of one's labors. The use of autumn imagery in the poem thus creates a sense of closure and finality - the speaker knows that this may be her last chance to see her loved one, and that if they do not come now, they may never do so.

Structure and Style

The poem is structured in two stanzas, each containing eight lines. The first stanza is more descriptive, detailing the speaker's preparations for her loved one's arrival. The second stanza is more introspective, focusing on the speaker's emotional state and the nature of her relationship with the person she is addressing. This structure creates a sense of anticipation and tension, as the reader is uncertain whether the person will indeed arrive, and what will happen if they do.

The style of the poem is highly characteristic of Dickinson's work. She uses short, simple words and phrases, arranged in unconventional syntax and punctuation. This creates a sense of ambiguity and complexity, as the reader is forced to parse the meaning of the poem from its unusual structure. The use of dashes and enjambment also creates a sense of continuity and flow, as if the poem is a stream of consciousness that is constantly evolving and shifting.

Themes and Meaning

At its core, "If You Were Coming in the Fall" is a poem about longing and uncertainty. The speaker is grappling with the uncertainty of whether her loved one will arrive, and what will happen if they do. She is also reflecting on the nature of their relationship - is it something that can withstand the test of time and distance, or is it something that will fade away with the passing of the seasons?

Another key theme of the poem is acceptance and resignation. The speaker acknowledges that life goes on regardless of whether her loved one arrives or not. She knows that she may never see them again, and that this may be the end of their relationship. However, she also knows that she cannot control the actions or decisions of others, and that all she can do is accept what comes and move on.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "If You Were Coming in the Fall" is a powerful and introspective poem that explores the complexities of love, longing, and human relationships. Through its vivid imagery, unconventional structure, and poignant themes, the poem captures the uncertainty and anxiety of waiting for a loved one to arrive, and the bittersweet knowledge that life goes on regardless. Dickinson's masterful use of language and style creates a sense of ambiguity and complexity, forcing the reader to engage with the poem on a deeper level. This is truly a masterpiece of poetic literature, and a testament to the enduring power of Emily Dickinson's work.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

If You Were Coming in the Fall: A Masterpiece by Emily Dickinson

Emily Dickinson was a prolific American poet who wrote over 1,800 poems in her lifetime. Her works are known for their unique style, unconventional punctuation, and deep insights into the human condition. One of her most famous poems is "If You Were Coming in the Fall," which was published posthumously in 1890. This masterpiece is a beautiful expression of love and longing, and it has captivated readers for over a century.

The poem begins with a hypothetical scenario: "If you were coming in the fall, / I'd brush the summer by / With half a smile and half a spurn, / As housewives do a fly." The speaker imagines that her lover will arrive in the fall, and she describes how she would prepare for his arrival. She would brush away the summer, which represents the time they have spent apart, with a mixture of happiness and disdain, just as a housewife would swat away a pesky fly.

The second stanza continues the theme of preparation: "If I could see you in a year, / I'd wind the months in balls, / And put them each in separate drawers, / Until their time befalls." The speaker imagines that if she had to wait a year to see her lover, she would carefully organize the time into neat little bundles, like balls of yarn, and store them away until the appointed time. This shows her dedication and patience, as well as her desire to make the most of their time together.

The third stanza is perhaps the most famous: "If only centuries delayed, / I'd count them on my hand, / Subtracting till my fingers dropped / Into Van Diemen's land." The speaker imagines that if she had to wait centuries to see her lover, she would count the years on her fingers, subtracting them one by one until she reached the present day. This is a powerful image of devotion and determination, as well as a nod to the speaker's intelligence and mathematical prowess.

The fourth stanza shifts the focus to the lover: "If certain, when this life was out, / That yours and mine should be, / I'd toss it yonder like a rind, / And taste eternity." The speaker imagines that if she and her lover were destined to be together in the afterlife, she would cast off this mortal coil with ease and embrace the eternal bliss of their union. This is a beautiful expression of faith and hope, as well as a reminder that love transcends death.

The final stanza brings the poem full circle: "But now, all ignorant of the length / Of time's uncertain wing, / It goads me, like the goblin bee, / That will not state its sting." The speaker admits that she does not know when or if her lover will arrive, and this uncertainty torments her like a bee that refuses to reveal its intentions. This is a poignant and relatable sentiment, as anyone who has ever waited for someone they love can attest.

Overall, "If You Were Coming in the Fall" is a masterpiece of poetry that captures the essence of love and longing. Emily Dickinson's unique style and powerful imagery make this poem a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers today. Whether you are waiting for a lover to arrive, or simply seeking a deeper understanding of the human heart, this poem is sure to touch your soul and leave you with a sense of wonder and awe.

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