Emily Dickinson

This Is the Land the Sunset Washes,

This Is the Land the Sunset Washes, - meaning Summary

Twilight as Mysterious Voyage

The poem depicts sunset transforming a coastal landscape into a realm of mystery. The speaker presents the western shore as a place where day meets unknown, using images of a yellow sea, purple twilight, and opal cargo to suggest beauty and transience. Vessels on the horizon appear momentary and illusory, rising and disappearing like dreams. The overall mood balances wonder with the unknowable nature of evening and departure.

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This is the land the sunset washes, These are the banks of the Yellow Sea; Where it rose, or whither it rushes, These are the western mystery! Night after night her purple traffic Strews the landing with opal bales; Merchantmen poise upon horizons, Dip, and vanish with fairy sails.

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