Poem Analysis - Its Coming The Postponeless Creature

Impending Arrival: Death Personified

Emily Dickinson's "It's Coming the Postponeless Creature" is a chilling personification of death, portraying it as an inevitable and surprisingly polite visitor. The poem unfolds with a sense of foreboding, gradually revealing the true identity of this "Creature." The tone shifts from ominous anticipation to a stark acceptance of mortality, punctuated by moments of unsettling formality. Dickinson masterfully uses simple language and potent imagery to capture the universal experience of facing death.

Mortality's Inevitable Claim

The central theme of the poem is undeniably mortality. Death is presented not as a violent force, but as a "postponeless Creature," emphasizing its unwavering and unavoidable nature. The opening lines create a sense of impending doom, as the "Creature" inexorably "gains the Block and now it gains the Door." This progression suggests death's relentless approach, leaving no room for escape. The phrase "postponeless Creature" also highlights the loss of control humans have over their own demise; it is a certainty that cannot be deferred.

Death as an Intruder and a Guide

Another significant theme is the intrusion of death into everyday life. The "Creature" doesn't break down the door; it "chooses its latch," suggesting a deliberate and almost courteous entrance. The question, "You know Me Sir?" adds to this disturbing politeness, transforming death into a familiar, albeit unwelcome, acquaintance. This contrasts sharply with the devastating impact death has, as it "Dresses each House in Crape, and Icicle," symbols of mourning and cold finality. Finally, the action of death escorting the deceased "out of it to God" presents death as a transition or journey rather than a complete annihilation, offering a glimmer of something beyond.

Recognition and the Afterlife

The poem also touches on the theme of recognition and the unknown afterlife. The "Simple Salute and certain Recognition" suggest that death is not an alien entity, but something inherently known, perhaps ingrained in the human psyche. Whether "Enemy" or "friend," the "Creature" elicits a definitive response, hinting at a pre-existing relationship or understanding. The final line, "And carries one out of it to God," leaves the reader contemplating the nature of the afterlife and whether death is merely a bridge to something more.

The Symbolic Power of Cold Imagery

The poem is rich in symbolism, particularly through its vivid imagery. The "Block and the Door" symbolize the final barriers between life and death. The "Crape, and Icicle" represent the outward signs of mourning and the chilling presence of death. The image of the house "dressed" in these items is a powerful reminder of death's impact on the living. The icicle in particular could suggest an emotional freezing, the kind of grief that numbs those left behind. The mention of God at the very end is notable. Is the poem hinting at a benevolent afterlife, or is it simply acknowledging the prevailing religious beliefs of the time? The use of such stark and cold imagery gives the poem a sense of dread and quiet acceptance.

Final Reflection: The Unavoidable Visitor

"It's Coming the Postponeless Creature" is a powerful meditation on mortality, presented through Dickinson's characteristic use of personification and stark imagery. The poem transforms death into an inevitable visitor, both familiar and terrifying. It explores the themes of mortality, intrusion, and the unknown afterlife, leaving the reader with a chilling but profound understanding of death's undeniable presence in life. Ultimately, the poem serves as a reminder of the fragility of human existence and the inevitability of our final journey.