Greetings, dear listeners! Today’s listening adventure takes us into the realm of poetic inquiry with Emily Dickinson’s “Because I Could not Stop for Death.” Open your ears to the melodic cadence of Dickinson’s verses as this video takes us to the profound musings on life’s inevitable encounter with Death. Let the poet’s words weave a tapestry of reflection and introspection in this poetic journey.
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Video transcript (click here ⬅)
(00:00) Take a ride in Emily Dickinson’s chariot. But beware… there’s no turning back. “Because I could not stop for Death”
by Emily Dickinson Because I could not stop for Death –
He kindly stopped for me – The Carriage held but just Ourselves –
And Immortality. We slowly drove – He knew no haste
And I had put away
(00:49) My labor and my leisure too,
For His Civility – We passed the School,
where Children strove At Recess – in the Ring –
We passed the Fields of Gazing Grain – We passed the Setting Sun – Or rather – He passed Us –
The Dews drew quivering and Chill – For only Gossamer, my Gown –
My Tippet – only Tulle –
(01:22) We paused before a House that seemed
A Swelling of the Ground – The Roof was scarcely visible –
The Cornice – in the Ground – Since then – ’tis Centuries – and yet
Feels shorter than the Day I first surmised the Horses’ Heads
Were toward Eternity –
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As the echoes of Emily Dickinson’s verses fade away, take a moment to reflect on the lyrical exploration of life’s journey toward eternity. The poetic inquiry lingers, inviting you to ponder the profound themes encapsulated in “Because I could not stop for Death.” May the rhythm of Dickinson’s words continue to resonate within you, sparking contemplation long after this auditory sojourn. Happy listening!
