We Can but Follow to the Sun

We Can but Follow to the Sun - meaning Summary

Following Toward the Sun

The poem reflects on human limitation and the unfinished nature of life’s pursuit. Using the Sun as a guiding goal, Dickinson imagines that when the Sun sinks we are left with a detached "sphere"—a partial remainder of ourselves. The second stanza frames death as reaching the "earthen door," where panels reverse and perception ends. The tone is calm and resigned, emphasizing that we can only follow so far before the journey stops.