Emily Dickinson

We Talked as Girls Do

poem 586

We Talked as Girls Do - meaning Summary

Friendship Facing Mortality

The poem shows two young women casually discussing weighty topics—destiny, God, and their own deaths—with a light, intimate tone. They imagine their future selves and make a pact to remain close, exchanging vows to "cherish, and to write." The final lines abruptly undercut their plans: death breaks the promise before morning. The poem contrasts youthful confidence and speculative play with the suddenness of loss and the fragility of human intentions.

Read Complete Analyses

We talked as Girls do Fond, and late We speculated fair, on every subject, but the Grave Of ours, none affair We handled Destinies, as cool As we Disposers be And God, a Quiet Party To our Authority But fondest, dwelt upon Ourself As we eventual be When Girls to Women, softly raised We occupy Degree We parted with a contract To cherish, and to write But Heaven made both, impossible Before another night.

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