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Death, By: Emily Dickinson

September 29, 2026 by Editors

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Death is like the insect
Menacing the tree,
Competent to kill it,
But decoyed may be.

Bait it with the balsam,
Seek it with the knife,
Baffle, if it cost you
Everything in life.

Then, if it have burrowed
Out of reach of skill,
Ring the tree and leave it, —
‘T is the vermin’s will.

Read all of Emily Dickinson's poems · About Emily Dickinson

More by Emily Dickinson

  • Deed
  • Desire
  • Disenchantment
  • Dreams
  • Drowning Is Not So Pitiful

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