Emily Dickinson

The Butterfly Upon the Sky

The Butterfly Upon the Sky - meaning Summary

Freedom Beyond Earthly Bounds

The short lyric presents a butterfly as a carefree, nameless being unencumbered by duties or possessions yet occupying a lofty place. The speaker contrasts human concern with the insect’s lightness, urging the reader to emulate its upward movement and to avoid sighing. The final line reframes grief: rather than mourning by clinging, the poem suggests that rising above earthly burdens—soaring—is an appropriate response to loss or sorrow.

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The Butterfly upon the Sky, That doesn’t know its Name And hasn’t any tax to pay And hasn’t any Home Is just as high as you and I, And higher, I believe, So soar away and never sigh And that’s the way to grieve –

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