Poem Analysis - Before The Ice Is In The Pools

Introduction: Anticipation and Yearning

Emily Dickinson's "Before the Ice Is In the Pools" is a delicate poem steeped in anticipation and a subtle sense of yearning. The poem unfolds with a gentle, almost breathless tone as the speaker awaits something profound. There is a shift from the description of the approaching winter season towards an intimate and personal contemplation of what's to come. The final stanza introduces a poignant question tinged with sorrow and hope.

Themes: The Imminence of Transformation

One of the central themes is the imminence of transformation. The poem meticulously details the changing of seasons, moving from autumn towards winter. The imagery of "ice in the pools," "skaters," and "snow" paints a picture of nature preparing for a period of dormancy. This seasonal shift mirrors a deeper, personal transformation that the speaker expects. This anticipation is heightened by the repetition of "Before," emphasizing the speaker's awareness of the limited time remaining before the anticipated event.

Yearning for Connection

Another significant theme present is the theme of the yearning for connection. The lines "What we touch the hems of / On a summer’s day / What is only walking / Just a bridge away" suggest a longing for something just beyond reach, something that was once easily accessible ("on a summer's day"). The phrase "just a bridge away" implies a proximity to this connection, yet it remains tantalizingly out of reach. This distance fuels a sense of longing, implying the speaker is actively reaching out to make a connection.

The Inevitability of Internal Reflection

A third theme that emerges is the inevitability of internal reflection. The lines "That which sings so speaks so / When there’s no one here" suggests the presence of an inner voice or truth that becomes louder in isolation. The impending winter, with its connotations of solitude, seems to amplify this internal dialogue. The speaker is preparing not just for a seasonal change, but also for a period of introspection where inner truths will surface and demand attention.

Symbols and Imagery: Winter's Approach and the Frock

The poem is rich in symbolic imagery. The impending winter, described through images of ice and snow, can be interpreted as a symbol of isolation, dormancy, and perhaps even emotional coldness. It also represents the end of a cycle, the transition from activity to stillness. The "Christmas tree," usually a symbol of joy and celebration, is placed in the context of waiting, hinting at the speaker's expectation that something significant will happen before the holidays. The final image of the "frock I wept in" is particularly powerful. The frock, associated with past sorrow, raises questions about the nature of the anticipated arrival. Will it bring solace and redemption, or will it reawaken old pain? The speaker's question "Answer me to wear?" suggests a vulnerability and a willingness to confront the past.

Concluding Thoughts: An Uncertain Future

In summary, "Before the Ice Is In the Pools" is a poignant exploration of anticipation, connection, and introspection. The poem beautifully captures the emotional landscape of a person standing on the cusp of change, waiting for something profound to arrive. While the nature of this "wonder" remains ambiguous, the poem's power lies in its evocation of universal human experiences: the longing for connection, the inevitability of change, and the courage to face an uncertain future. The poem’s form, with its short lines and slant rhyme, mirrors the speaker’s hesitant, questioning approach to the future.