Poem Analysis - Some Things That Fly There Be

Ephemeral Fleetingness and Enduring Existences: An Introduction

Emily Dickinson's "Some Things That Fly There Be" is a concise exploration of transience and permanence, presented with a characteristic blend of directness and enigmatic questioning. The poem observes the natural world and abstract concepts, juxtaposing fleeting images with enduring ideas. Initially, the tone is observational and almost matter-of-fact. However, it subtly shifts to a more introspective and questioning mood as the speaker grapples with the mysteries of existence. The ending leaves the reader with a sense of awe and unresolved wonder.

Vanishing Moments and Lasting Burdens: Exploring Themes of Time and Grief

One prominent theme is the contrast between the ephemeral and the eternal. The first stanza focuses on things that "fly," listing "Birds," "Hours," and "the Bumblebee." These are transient things, existing for a limited time. The phrase "Of these no Elegy" suggests a lack of mourning or permanence associated with their passing. In contrast, the second stanza presents things that "stay": "Grief Hills Eternity." These are enduring, often weighty concepts. The speaker's assertion, "Nor this behooveth me," implies a rejection or detachment from the burden of these permanent states. The poem develops the theme of time by contrasting its fleeting nature with the weight of eternal concepts.

The Unfathomable Riddle: The Limits of Human Understanding

Another key theme is the limitation of human understanding in the face of the vast and complex universe. The final stanza introduces the idea of things that "resting, rise," hinting at resurrection or transformation. The question "Can I expound the skies?" reveals the speaker's awareness of the limits of her (and humanity's) capacity to fully comprehend the cosmos. The phrase "How still the Riddle lies!" emphasizes the persistent, unresolved nature of existential mysteries. This silence of the riddle highlights the profound and perhaps unanswerable nature of these questions.

Wings and Weights: Symbolic Representations

The poem utilizes potent symbolism to convey its message. The "things that fly," particularly "Birds" and "the Bumblebee," symbolize freedom, lightness, and the fleeting nature of life and joy. Conversely, "Hills" and "Eternity" symbolize permanence, weight, and the unchanging aspects of existence. "Grief" bridges both worlds, being both a fleeting emotion and an enduring burden. The symbol of the "skies" itself is a vast, unknowable space representing the mysteries of the universe. The "Riddle" embodies the enduring questions that humanity grapples with but cannot definitively answer.

Silence and Wonder: A Final Perspective

In conclusion, "Some Things That Fly There Be" is a meditative exploration of the contrasting forces of transience and permanence, couched in Dickinson's signature style of concise, evocative language. The poem juxtaposes fleeting images of flight with the enduring weight of grief and eternity, ultimately highlighting the limitations of human understanding in the face of cosmic mysteries. The poem leaves the reader with a sense of awe and wonder, inviting contemplation on the profound riddles that lie just beyond the reach of our grasp. Ultimately, the poem's power lies in its ability to evoke a sense of both the beauty and the unknowable depths of existence. The poem is not depressing however. Instead it expresses wonder at the world around us.