Emily Dickinson

No Notice Gave She, but a Change

poem 804

No Notice Gave She, but a Change - meaning Summary

Quiet, Irreversible Withdrawal

The poem describes a woman’s understated departure from life or community, marked by no announcement, only a sigh. Neighbors note her emotional reserve and physical coldness, and nature imagery (frost, seed, ground, Spring) frames her interment. The speaker emphasizes her dignity and direct gaze, and ends on ambiguous distance: though others hope for her return, she effectively removes herself from their world, leaving mournful but restrained response.

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No Notice gave She, but a Change No Message, but a Sigh For Whom, the Time did not suffice That She should specify. She was not warm, though Summer shone Nor scrupulous of cold Though Rime by Rime, the steady Frost Upon Her Bosom piled Of shrinking ways she did not fright Though all the Village looked But held Her gravity aloft And met the gaze direct And when adjusted like a Seed In careful fitted Ground Unto the Everlasting Spring And hindered but a Mound Her Warm return, if so she chose And We imploring drew Removed our invitation by As Some She never knew

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