She Lay as If at Play
poem 369
She Lay as If at Play - meaning Summary
Playful Death's Quiet Stillness
The poem presents a quiet, intimate depiction of death as a paused moment of play. The speaker observes a figure whose lively gestures and open eyes suggest a planned return, while subtle details—half-dropped arms, ajar eyes, morning at the door—frame death as a light, almost playful sleep. The tone balances tenderness and uncanny stillness, inviting readers to see absence as a suspended domestic scene rather than violent rupture.
Read Complete AnalysesShe lay as if at play Her life had leaped away Intending to return But not so soon Her merry Arms, half dropt As if for lull of sport An instant had forgot The Trick to start Her dancing Eyes ajar As if their Owner were Still sparkling through For fun at you Her Morning at the door Devising, I am sure To force her sleep So light so deep
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