Poem Analysis - We Do Not Play On Graves

Introduction: Childhood Innocence Confronting Mortality

Emily Dickinson's "We Do Not Play On Graves" is a short, poignant exploration of children's avoidance of graveyards. The poem begins with a simple observation and evolves into a deeper reflection on grief, fear, and the children's intuitive understanding of death's gravity. The tone is initially matter-of-fact, almost childlike, but gradually becomes more somber as the poem progresses, revealing a growing awareness of mortality's impact. The poem captures a fleeting moment where the carefree world of play clashes with the solemn reality of death and remembrance. Ultimately, it speaks to the inherent human sensitivity to sorrow and the ways we learn to navigate it.

The Weight of Grief and Its Impact

One central theme is the impact of grief on the living. The poem highlights how the presence of grieving people inhibits the children's natural joy. The lines "And put a Flower on it / And hang their faces so" paint a picture of profound sadness. The children's fear that "their Hearts will drop / And crush our pretty play" is not just a literal fear; it's a metaphorical representation of how grief can overshadow and overwhelm even the most innocent activities. The children recognize the potent and potentially destructive nature of adult sorrow, acknowledging its ability to disrupt their carefree existence. They instinctively understand that a graveyard is not a place for unburdened play because the weight of grief is palpable.

Distance as a Coping Mechanism

The theme of avoidance as a coping mechanism is also prominent. The children consciously choose to stay away from the graves, moving "as far / As Enemies away." This extreme distance suggests a strong aversion to the pain associated with death. The phrase "Just looking round to see how far / It is Occasionally" implies a constant awareness of the graveyard's presence, even as they try to escape its influence. This suggests a subconscious understanding of death's inevitability and its persistent shadow over life. By maintaining a safe distance, the children attempt to protect their innocence and preserve their ability to play without the intrusion of sorrow.

Symbolism of Flowers and "Crushed" Play

Several images in the poem carry symbolic weight. The "Flower" placed on the grave represents remembrance and love, but also the transience of life. The image of the heart "drop[ping]" is particularly striking. It suggests not only deep sorrow but also a potential for emotional damage. The idea of their "pretty play" being "crush[ed]" symbolizes the vulnerability of childhood joy in the face of death and loss. This image highlights the poem's central tension between innocence and experience. The deliberate use of the word "crush" suggests violent suppression of childhood exuberance due to the surrounding sorrow, indicating a profound sensitivity to suffering.

A Somber Playground: Conclusion

"We Do Not Play On Graves" is a powerful exploration of childhood's encounter with mortality. The poem's simple language belies its profound insights into grief, fear, and the human instinct to protect oneself from pain. Through vivid imagery and a gradual shift in tone, Dickinson captures a poignant moment of awareness, revealing how even young children can intuitively grasp the weight of death and the disruptive power of sorrow. Ultimately, the poem suggests that even in the face of death, life and play attempt to persist, albeit at a respectful distance.