Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


ONE DIGNITY DELAYS FOR ALL by EMILY DICKINSON

Poet Analysis

Last Line: And claim the rank to die!
Subject(s): FUNERALS;

One dignity delays for all,
One mitred afternoon.
None can avoid this purple,
None evade this crown.

Coach it insures, and footmen,
Chamber and state and throng ;
Bells, also, in the village,
As we ride grand along.

What dignified attendants,
What service when we pause!
How loyally at parting
Their hundred hats they raise!

How pomp surpassing ermine,
When simple you and I
Present our meek escutcheon,
And claim the rank to die!



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