Poem Analysis - Dear March Come In

A Joyful Welcome: Spring's Arrival

Emily Dickinson's "Dear March – Come in" is a vibrant and welcoming address to the month of March, personified as a long-awaited guest. The poem exudes a tone of eager anticipation and joyful relief at the arrival of spring after a long winter. The speaker's enthusiasm is palpable, creating a sense of warmth and connection. While the poem begins with simple excitement, it subtly shifts to explore themes of nature's renewal and the changing perspectives that spring brings.

Nature Reborn: A Core Theme

One of the central themes of the poem is the renewal of nature. March's arrival signifies the end of winter's dormancy and the awakening of the natural world. The lines "Did you leave Nature well?" and the mention of the "bird's" letter suggest a concern for the health and well-being of the environment. The speaker also notes "How red their faces grew!" when referring to the maples. This suggests that the trees are also coming back to life and displaying a renewed color.

Personification: March as a Cherished Guest

The personification of March is a key element of the poem's success. Treating March as a guest allows the speaker to express a sense of intimacy and connection with the changing season. The lines, "Dear March, come in! How glad I am! I looked for you before," and "Put down your hat You must have walked How out of breath you are!" create an image of a weary traveler finally arriving after a long journey. This highlights the speaker's longing for spring and the relief at its arrival. The informal, conversational tone further emphasizes this personal relationship with the season.

The Value of Perspective: A Shift in Priorities

As March arrives, the speaker's perspective undergoes a transformation, highlighting another theme of the poem: the shifting of values. The speaker dismisses the importance of April's potential visit, stating, "But trifles look so trivial As soon as you have come, That blame is just as dear as praise And praise as mere as blame." This suggests that the arrival of spring brings about a new understanding of what truly matters. Petty concerns and judgments fade into insignificance in the face of nature's beauty and renewal. In other words, prior worries ("blame") are viewed with the same positive expectation as recognition ("praise").

Colors of Transition: Purple's Absence, Nature's Hue

The poem uses color imagery to subtly convey the transition from winter to spring. The speaker's lament, "There was no purple suitable, You took it all with you," might refer to the fading of the dark, somber colors of winter. Purple, associated with royalty and mourning, is replaced by the vibrant reds of the maples and the promise of other colors to come. Perhaps the lack of purple also suggests a temporary absence of strong emotion, replaced by the simpler joy of spring's arrival. Is the absence of purple a lament for what is lost, or anticipation of other, equally beautiful colors that spring will bring?

Final Thoughts: A Season of Joy and Renewal

"Dear March – Come in" is a delightful poem that celebrates the arrival of spring with unbridled enthusiasm. Through personification, vivid imagery, and a subtle exploration of shifting perspectives, Dickinson captures the transformative power of nature's renewal. The poem reminds us of the simple joys that come with each new season and the opportunity to re-evaluate our priorities in the face of nature's beauty. It showcases the speaker's deep connection to the natural world and the profound impact of seasonal change on the human spirit.