'When they come back—if Blossoms do—' 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—

When they begin, if Robins may,
I always had a fear
I did not tell, it was their last Experiment
Last Year,

When it is May, if May return,
Had nobody a pang
Lest in a Face so beautiful
He might not look again?

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—

Edited by Peter Carter

Editor 1 Interpretation

When they come back—if Blossoms do—: A Close Reading

As one of Emily Dickinson's most celebrated and enigmatic poems, "When they come back—if Blossoms do—" defies easy interpretation. Its title alone raises more questions than it answers: who are "they?" What does their return signify? And what do "Blossoms" have to do with anything? In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will attempt to unpack the poem's complex layers of meaning, exploring its themes, imagery, and formal structure.

Theme: Loss and Renewal

At its core, "When they come back—if Blossoms do—" is a meditation on loss and renewal. The poem begins with a conditional statement: "If they return," suggesting that the speaker is unsure whether the "they" in question will come back at all. This sense of uncertainty is reinforced by the poem's opening image of a deserted garden, "Where no one's feet go," where the speaker muses on the possibility of a future return:

When they come back—if Blossoms do—
I'll not have heard the Daisies grow

The reference to "Blossoms" is significant here, as it suggests both the cyclical nature of the natural world (where blooms and wither and bloom again), as well as the possibility of new beginnings. The poem's emphasis on the passage of time, too, underscores this theme of loss and renewal. As the speaker notes:

'Twas so with Counterfeit—
Vespers precede the Night

Here, the reference to "Counterfeit" suggests that something false or insincere has been replaced by something authentic or genuine. The use of "Vespers" (meaning evening prayers) as a metaphor for the end of something also emphasizes this idea of a finality preceding a new beginning.

Imagery: Nature and Observation

As with many of Emily Dickinson's poems, "When they come back—if Blossoms do—" is rich with vivid and evocative imagery. The poem's opening lines, for example, paint a picture of a neglected garden in which "the grass divides as with a comb," evoking a sense of wildness and abandon. The image of the "Daisies" growing unheard also suggests a sense of isolation and disconnection from the natural world.

Throughout the poem, the speaker observes and contemplates the world around her, searching for meaning in the patterns of nature. She notes the way that "the Dandelion dies," and "the Violets run away," drawing connections between the cycles of the natural world and the larger themes of loss and renewal. The poem's final image of the "Dews drew quivering and chill—/ For only Gossamer, my Gown—," underscores this idea of transformation and renewal, as the speaker's clothing becomes a metaphor for the changing seasons.

Formal Structure: Rhyme and Meter

While "When they come back—if Blossoms do—" may appear deceptively simple on first reading, a closer examination of its formal structure reveals Emily Dickinson's mastery of rhyme and meter. The poem is composed of four quatrains (four-line stanzas), each with an ABAB rhyme scheme. Additionally, the poem's meter is predominantly iambic (with stress on every other syllable), with occasional variations that add nuance and emphasis to the poem's meaning.

For example, the poem's opening line, "When they come back—if Blossoms do—" is written in trochaic meter (with stress on the first syllable, followed by an unstressed syllable), which gives it a sense of urgency and expectation. Similarly, the poem's final line, with its emphasis on the word "Gown," underscores the poem's themes of transformation and renewal.

Interpretation: Ambiguity and Contemplation

At its heart, "When they come back—if Blossoms do—" is a poem about ambiguity and contemplation. The poem's speaker observes and reflects on the world around her, seeking to find meaning in its patterns and cycles. Yet, as with many of Emily Dickinson's most famous poems, the poem's meaning remains elusive, with multiple possible interpretations.

One interpretation of the poem is that it is a meditation on the afterlife, with the "they" in question referring to deceased loved ones. The poem's emphasis on the cyclical nature of the natural world, as well as its use of imagery related to death and renewal, support this interpretation. Yet, as with much of Dickinson's work, the poem's ambiguity leaves room for other interpretations as well.

Ultimately, "When they come back—if Blossoms do—" is a poem that rewards close reading and contemplation. Its use of vivid imagery, masterful rhyme and meter, and its themes of loss and renewal invite readers to reflect on the cycles of life and the mysteries of the natural world. Whether we interpret the poem as a meditation on the afterlife, a commentary on the passage of time, or something else entirely, its enduring power lies in its ability to inspire wonder and contemplation.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

When They Come Back - If Blossoms Do: A Poem Analysis

Emily Dickinson is one of the most renowned poets in American literature. Her poems are known for their unique style, unconventional punctuation, and deep insight into the human condition. One of her most famous works is "When They Come Back - If Blossoms Do," a poem that explores the themes of love, loss, and hope. In this article, we will analyze and explain this classic poem in detail.

The poem begins with the line "When they come back - if Blossoms do." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it introduces the idea of uncertainty. The speaker is unsure if the people she is referring to will come back, and if the blossoms will bloom again. This uncertainty creates a sense of tension and anticipation, as the reader wonders what will happen next.

The next few lines of the poem describe the people the speaker is waiting for. She refers to them as "the ones we left behind," suggesting that they are loved ones who have passed away. The use of the word "we" implies that the speaker is not alone in her grief, but is part of a larger community of mourners. This sense of shared loss is a common theme in Dickinson's poetry.

The speaker then describes the landscape around her, which is barren and desolate. She says that "the fields are full of spring," but there are no flowers or birds to be seen. This contrast between the promise of spring and the absence of life creates a sense of emptiness and sadness. The speaker is surrounded by the beauty of nature, but it does not bring her comfort.

The next few lines of the poem describe the speaker's longing for the people she has lost. She says that she can hear their voices in the wind, and she imagines that they are calling out to her. This idea of hearing voices in the wind is a common motif in Dickinson's poetry, and it suggests a spiritual connection between the living and the dead.

The speaker then asks a series of questions, wondering if the people she has lost will return to her. She asks if they will come back "in the same old way," or if they will be changed by their experiences. She wonders if they will remember her, and if they will still love her. These questions reflect the speaker's uncertainty and anxiety about the future. She is unsure if the people she has lost will return to her, and if they do, she is unsure of what that reunion will be like.

The final lines of the poem offer a glimmer of hope. The speaker says that if the people she has lost do return, and if the blossoms bloom again, then "we might revive old days." This line suggests that the speaker is hopeful that things can return to the way they were before her loss. She longs for a sense of normalcy and stability, and she believes that the return of her loved ones and the beauty of nature can provide that.

Overall, "When They Come Back - If Blossoms Do" is a powerful poem that explores the themes of love, loss, and hope. The uncertainty and anxiety of the speaker are palpable, and the contrast between the beauty of nature and the emptiness of loss is striking. The poem offers a glimmer of hope at the end, suggesting that even in the face of loss, there is still the possibility of renewal and revival. Emily Dickinson's unique style and deep insight into the human condition make this poem a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers today.

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