'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 spum,
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,
Until their time befalls.

If only centuries delayed,
I'd count them on my hand,
Subtracting till my fingers dropped
Into Van Diemen's land.

If certain, when this life was out,
That yours and mine should be,
I'd toss it yonder like a rind,
And taste eternity.

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.

Editor 1 Interpretation

If You Were Coming in the Fall: A Poem Worth Remembering

Many poets have the ability to capture the essence of human emotions and experiences in their works, but few have done it as eloquently and poetically as Emily Dickinson. Her poem "If You Were Coming in the Fall" is a prime example of her mastery of language and her unique style of writing that has been praised and studied for generations. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, symbols, and literary devices used in this timeless piece of poetry.

The Theme of Love and Longing

At its core, "If You Were Coming in the Fall" is a love poem. It expresses the speaker's longing for the arrival of a loved one who is expected to come in the fall. The poem is full of imagery and metaphorical language that conveys the speaker's deep emotions and sense of anticipation.

The opening lines of the poem set the tone for the rest of the work:

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.

These lines evoke the image of a person waiting eagerly for someone they love, willing to dismiss the joy and beauty of summer if it means the arrival of their beloved. The metaphor of a housewife brushing away a fly is an interesting one, as it implies a sense of annoyance and disdain, yet it also suggests a certain level of care and attention. The speaker is willing to put aside everything else in their life to focus on the coming of their loved one, even if it means brushing away the joys of the season.

Throughout the poem, we see the speaker's deep longing for their loved one. They express a desire to see their face and hear their voice again, to hold them in their arms and be with them once more. The use of imagery is particularly striking in the lines:

I'd like the newness of the year
The bloom of roses and the smell of the sea
And all the lovely things you can't buy
That come for free, they come for me.

Here, the speaker is expressing a desire for the simple pleasures in life, the things that money can't buy, but that make life worth living. The newness of the year, the beauty of nature, the scent of the sea, all of these things are associated with hope and renewal, and the speaker longs to experience them once again with their loved one.

The Symbolism of the Season

One of the most striking features of this poem is its use of seasonal imagery and symbolism. The idea of fall as a symbol of change and transition is a common one in literature, and it is used here to great effect. The arrival of the loved one is eagerly anticipated, and it is linked to the changing of the seasons:

But now, all ignorant of the length
Of time it takes to sometimes feel
Like stone or steel,
You'll come. And I'll be waiting.

The speaker is aware of the passing of time, and they know that waiting for their loved one can be a challenging experience. However, they are willing to wait, like a stone or steel, until the arrival of the fall season and the arrival of their beloved.

The use of seasonal imagery is continued throughout the poem, with references to the autumn leaves, the fading of the light, and the colder temperatures. All of these things are associated with the passage of time and the coming of winter, but they are also symbols of the speaker's longing for their loved one. The arrival of the fall season is eagerly anticipated, as it represents a new beginning and a new hope for the speaker.

The Literary Devices Used in the Poem

Emily Dickinson was a master of poetic language, and "If You Were Coming in the Fall" is a prime example of her skill. The poem is full of literary devices that enhance its meaning and beauty.

One of the most striking features of the poem is its use of metaphorical language. The image of the housewife brushing away a fly is just one example of this, but there are many more throughout the poem. The use of metaphor is particularly effective in conveying the speaker's emotions and feelings, as it allows the reader to imagine the situation in a vivid and powerful way.

Another literary device used in the poem is repetition. The phrase "If you were coming in the fall" is repeated throughout the poem, creating a sense of anticipation and longing. The repetition of this phrase is also used to create a sense of rhythm and structure in the poem, making it easier to read and understand.

The use of imagery is also a key feature of the poem. The speaker's descriptions of the changing of the seasons, the beauty of nature, and the simple pleasures of life are all vivid and powerful, creating a strong emotional response in the reader. The imagery is also used to create a sense of atmosphere and mood, evoking the feeling of a crisp fall day and the sense of anticipation that comes with it.

Conclusion: The Power of Poetry

In conclusion, "If You Were Coming in the Fall" is a powerful and moving work of poetry that has stood the test of time. Its themes of love and longing, its use of seasonal imagery and symbolism, and its mastery of literary devices make it a work worth remembering and studying. Emily Dickinson's unique style of writing and her ability to capture the essence of human emotion in her works have made her one of the great poets of all time, and this poem is a true testament to her skill and talent. If you haven't read "If You Were Coming in the Fall" before, do yourself a favor and experience the power of poetry for yourself.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

If you were coming in the fall, written by Emily Dickinson, is a classic poem that has captured the hearts of readers for generations. This poem is a beautiful expression of love and longing, and it speaks to the universal human experience of waiting for someone we love.

The poem begins with the speaker addressing the person they are waiting for, saying "If you were coming in the fall, I'd brush the summer by." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as the speaker expresses their eagerness to see the person they are waiting for. The use of the word "brush" is particularly interesting, as it suggests that the speaker wants to hurry the summer along so that they can be reunited with their loved one.

The second stanza of the poem continues in this vein, with the speaker saying that they would "let the autumn go" if the person they are waiting for were to arrive. This line is particularly poignant, as it suggests that the speaker is willing to let go of the beauty and wonder of autumn in order to be with the person they love. This is a powerful expression of the depth of the speaker's feelings, and it speaks to the intensity of the love that they feel.

The third stanza of the poem is perhaps the most beautiful, as the speaker describes the scene that they imagine when their loved one arrives. They say that they will "take you by the hand" and lead you through the fields and hills, showing you all the beauty of the world. This is a powerful expression of the speaker's desire to share their world with the person they love, and it speaks to the depth of their connection.

The fourth stanza of the poem is a bit more melancholy, as the speaker acknowledges that they may never see the person they are waiting for again. They say that they will "sit down and sing" if their loved one does not arrive, suggesting that they will find solace in music and in their memories of the person they love. This is a poignant reminder that love is not always easy, and that sometimes we must find ways to cope with the pain of separation.

The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful, as the speaker expresses their hope that their loved one will arrive soon. They say that they will "not sigh nor chide" if their loved one is delayed, but will instead wait patiently for them to arrive. This is a beautiful expression of the speaker's faith in their love, and it speaks to the power of hope and perseverance in the face of adversity.

Overall, If you were coming in the fall is a beautiful and powerful poem that speaks to the universal human experience of waiting for someone we love. It is a testament to the power of love and hope, and it reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there is always a glimmer of light to guide us through. Emily Dickinson's words have stood the test of time, and they continue to inspire and move readers today.

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