National Poetry Month, Day 6: Dash, dash
I find this poem amusing, because I first encountered it in American lit at CBC, which class I took with 6 friends, including Matt (who was just a friend at the time). He and I were in the same “discussion group” for Emily Dickenson, and Matt read this poem aloud, including saying “dash” for each, well, dash. So, that would be, “I heard a fly buzz, dash dash, when I died, dash dash.” I thought it was hilarious. I might have just been smitten. I still think it’s funny. But maybe I’m just still smitten. :)
And, no, laughing hysterically is not supposed to be the reaction to this poem — about death.
I Heard a Fly Buzz Emily Dickenson
I heard a Fly buzz — when I died – The Stillness in the Room Was like the Stillness in the Air – Between the Heaves of Storm – The Eyes around — had wrung them dry – And Breaths were gathering firm For that last Onset — when the King Be witnessed — in the Room – I willed my Keepsakes — Signed away What portion of me be Assignable — and then it was There interposed a Fly – With Blue — uncertain stumbling Buzz – Between the light — and me – And then the Windows failed — and then I could not see to see –
