Emily Dickinson

When Roses Cease to Bloom, Sir

poem 32

When Roses Cease to Bloom, Sir - meaning Summary

Transience and Gentle Remembrance

The speaker contemplates the end of summer as a metaphor for mortality and passing tenderness. When roses and violets are gone and bumblebees have flown beyond the sun, the hand that once gathered blooms will be still. Addressing a “Sir,” the speaker asks that the listener take her flowers after she lies in death, turning a simple floral offering into a plea for remembrance and continuity.

Read Complete Analyses

When Roses cease to bloom, Sir, And Violets are done When Bumblebees in solemn flight Have passed beyond the Sun The hand that paused to gather Upon this Summer’s day Will idle lie in Auburn Then take my flowers pray!

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