5 Short Poems by Emily Dickinson

Here are 5 Short Poems by Emily Dickinson. Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets in American literature, known for her brief yet powerful verses that explore profound themes with simplicity and depth. Though she lived a reclusive life, her poetry speaks volumes about nature, love, death, and immortality, capturing emotions and ideas in just a few carefully chosen words.

In this post, we bring you 5 short poems by Emily Dickinson that highlight her unique writing style, unconventional punctuation, and deep philosophical insights. These poems, though concise, carry layers of meaning, making them timeless works of art that continue to inspire readers today.

Dive into the world of Emily Dickinson’s poetry and experience the magic of her words in just a few lines!

Read: Biography of Emily Dickinson | Poems by Emily Dickinson

5 Short Poems by Emily Dickinson

There is another sky by Emily Dickinson

There is another sky,
Ever serene and fair,
And there is another sunshine,
Though it be darkness there;
Never mind faded forests, Austin,
Never mind silent fields –
Here is a little forest,
Whose leaf is ever green;
Here is a brighter garden,
Where not a frost has been;
In its unfading flowers
I hear the bright bee hum:
Prithee, my brother,
Into my garden come!

Summary of There is Another Sky

Emily Dickinson’s poem There is Another Sky is a heartfelt invitation to her brother, Austin, urging him to find solace in an imagined or metaphorical world that remains untouched by sorrow and decay. The poem contrasts the harsh realities of the external world—faded forests, silent fields, and darkness—with an inner, evergreen garden that symbolizes hope, beauty, and eternal peace.

Dickinson describes this place as one where sunshine exists even in darkness, flowers never fade, and the hum of bees brings life and warmth. The poem conveys a sense of comfort and encouragement, suggesting that despite life’s hardships, there is always a place—perhaps within the mind or spirit—where joy and serenity persist.

Through this poetic imagery, Dickinson offers an uplifting message about resilience, hope, and the power of imagination to create a world of peace and beauty, free from the effects of time and suffering.

I’m Nobody! Who are you? by Emily Dickinson

I’m Nobody! Who are you?
Are you — Nobody — Too?
Then there’s a pair of us!
Don’t tell! they’d advertise — you know!

How dreary — to be — Somebody!
How public — like a Frog —
To tell one’s name — the livelong June —
To an admiring Bog!

Summary of I’m Nobody! Who are you?

Emily Dickinson’s poem I’m Nobody! Who are you? is a playful yet profound reflection on identity, anonymity, and societal expectations. The speaker introduces themselves as “Nobody” and asks the reader if they, too, are “Nobody”—creating an immediate sense of camaraderie and exclusivity between the two. The idea of being “Nobody” suggests a preference for anonymity and a rejection of public recognition.

In the second stanza, Dickinson contrasts this quiet, unnoticed existence with the life of “Somebody”—a person who constantly seeks attention and public validation. She likens this to a frog croaking endlessly in a bog, calling attention to itself all through the summer. The metaphor humorously suggests that public figures, much like frogs, engage in repetitive self-promotion, seeking admiration from an indifferent or mindless audience (the “Bog”).

The poem subtly critiques the pressure of fame and societal recognition, portraying public life as tedious, insincere, and performative. Dickinson’s preference for privacy and self-contentment shines through, encouraging the reader to embrace the joy of being unknown rather than chasing external validation.

Despite its light and whimsical tone, the poem conveys a deeper message about the value of personal authenticity over social prestige. By addressing the reader directly and inviting them to join her in being a “Nobody,” Dickinson fosters a sense of quiet rebellion against societal norms, celebrating the richness of an unnoticed yet fulfilling existence.

Nobody knows this little Rose by Emily Dickinson

Nobody knows this little Rose —
It might a pilgrim be
Did I not take it from the ways
And lift it up to thee.
Only a Bee will miss it —
Only a Butterfly,
Hastening from far journey —
On its breast to lie —
Only a Bird will wonder —
Only a Breeze will sigh —
Ah Little Rose — how easy
For such as thee to die!

Summary of Nobody Knows This Little Rose

Emily Dickinson’s poem Nobody Knows This Little Rose is a meditation on the fleeting nature of life and the quiet, unnoticed beauty that exists in the world. The poem reflects on how small, delicate things—like a single rose—can live and perish without widespread recognition, emphasizing themes of mortality, insignificance, and appreciation.

The poem begins with the speaker acknowledging that no one knows about the little rose, implying that it exists in solitude, without fame or acknowledgment. The speaker then rescues the rose from obscurity, lifting it up as if to give it meaning or importance. This act suggests a deep sensitivity to the overlooked beauty in nature and a recognition that even something as small as a flower deserves appreciation.

Dickinson highlights that the only ones who will miss the rose after it is gone are the small creatures of nature—a bee, a butterfly, a bird, and the breeze—all of whom depend on and interact with it in their own quiet ways. This observation subtly contrasts with human indifference; while nature acknowledges and mourns its loss, people may not even notice its existence.

The poem closes with a poignant realization: how easy it is for the little rose to die. This line carries a deeper message about the fragility of life, not just for the flower but for all living things. Dickinson suggests that life is brief and fragile, and while some lives go unnoticed by the world, they still hold intrinsic value in their small, natural roles.

Through delicate imagery and a gentle tone, Dickinson delivers a powerful reflection on transience and the quiet, unsung beauty in the world. The poem serves as a reminder to appreciate the small, fleeting moments of life, as they too hold significance, even if they go unrecognized.

I never saw a Moor — by Emily Dickinson

I never saw a Moor —
I never saw the Sea —
Yet know I how the Heather looks
And what a Billow be.
I never spoke with God
Nor visited in Heaven —
Yet certain am I of the spot
As if the Checks were given —

Summary of I never saw a Moor

Emily Dickinson’s poem I never saw a Moor explores themes of faith, perception, and the power of imagination. Through simple yet profound contrasts, Dickinson conveys how belief and understanding do not always require direct experience. The poem suggests that knowledge can be acquired indirectly—through descriptions, intuition, or inner conviction—rather than firsthand encounters.

In the first stanza, the speaker states that they have never seen a moor or the sea, yet they are confident in their understanding of these natural elements. A moor is a vast, open landscape, often covered in heather, and a sea is a vast body of water with waves called billows. Even without seeing them personally, the speaker asserts that they know what heather looks like and what a billow is. This suggests the idea that knowledge can be gained through imagination, learning, and trust in others’ descriptions, rather than direct experience.

The second stanza extends this idea to faith in God and the afterlife. The speaker admits that they have never spoken to God or visited Heaven, yet they are as certain of its existence as if they had received official confirmation in the form of a check—a metaphor for a written guarantee or proof. This comparison emphasizes the strength of belief and the idea that some things, though unseen, can still be accepted as undeniable truths.

Through its economical and direct language, Dickinson’s poem captures a profound philosophical and religious perspective. It suggests that faith—whether in nature, knowledge, or the divine—is not dependent on physical evidence but rather on an inner conviction. The poem ultimately celebrates the human ability to understand, believe, and trust in things beyond what can be seen or touched.

Heart! We will forget him! by Emily Dickinson

Heart! We will forget him!
You and I — tonight!
You may forget the warmth he gave —
I will forget the light!

When you have done, pray tell me
That I may straight begin!
Haste! lest while you’re lagging
I remember him!

Summary of Heart! We will forget him!

Emily Dickinson’s poem Heart! We will forget him! is a poignant and emotional exploration of heartbreak, memory, and the struggle between reason and emotion after a lost love. The poem presents an internal dialogue between the speaker’s mind and heart, portraying the difficulty of moving on from a deep emotional attachment.

In the first stanza, the speaker addresses their own heart as a separate entity, urging it to forget a past love. The line “You and I – tonight!” emphasizes urgency, as if the process of forgetting must happen immediately. The heart is asked to let go of the warmth that the beloved provided, while the speaker’s mind attempts to forget the light—possibly referring to the joy, guidance, or inspiration that the person once brought into their life. This division highlights a common theme in Dickinson’s poetry: the contrast between emotions (the heart) and intellect (the mind).

The second stanza shifts to a more desperate tone. The speaker pleads with the heart to hurry in its forgetting so that they can begin their own process of moving on. The urgency in “Haste! lest while you’re lagging / I remember him!” suggests that if the heart lingers too long in its emotions, the speaker might fall back into memories and sorrow. This captures the deep struggle of overcoming love—where even if one tries to let go, feelings can unexpectedly resurface.

Overall, Dickinson masterfully conveys the pain of love, loss, and the inner battle between emotions and reason. The poem’s brevity and simplicity make it even more powerful, as it encapsulates the essence of longing, conflict, and the difficulty of forgetting someone truly cherished.

Emily Dickinson’s short poems may be brief, but they carry profound depth, emotion, and insight. Each verse invites readers to explore themes of nature, love, mortality, and self-identity in a unique and thought-provoking way. Whether through quiet introspection or vivid imagery, her words continue to resonate across generations. Which of these poems spoke to you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments!