Emily Dickinson is one of the renowned American poets of the 19th century and is known for her unique style, unconventional punctuation, and exploration of themes such as death, nature, immorality, and the inner self. Her poem, I heard a Fly buzz, talks about the transition between life and what lies beyond. The speaker shares the depiction of final moments. It is one of the most popular poems of Emily Dickinson.
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 –