Summer's Armies (Poem by Emily Dickinson)

Summer's Armies

By Emily Dickinson

Some rainbow coming from the fair!

Some vision of the world Cashmere

I confidently see!

Or else a peacock's purple train,

Feather by feather, on the plain

Fritters itself away!

The dreamy butterflies bestir,

Lethargic pools resume the whir

Of last year's sundered tune.

From some old fortress on the sun

Baronial bees march, one by one,

In murmuring platoon!

The robins stand as thick to-day

As flakes of snow stood yesterday,

On fence and roof and twig.

The orchis binds her feather on

For her old lover, Don the Sun,

Revisiting the bog!

Without commander, countless, still,

The regiment of wood and hill

In bright detachment stand.

Behold! Whose multitudes are these?

The children of whose turbaned seas,

Or what Circassian land?

Poem Analysis:

Emily Dickinson's poem "Summer's Armies" captures the vibrant and dynamic essence of summer through vivid imagery and imaginative language. In this brief yet evocative poem, Dickinson celebrates the arrival of summer and the proliferation of life that accompanies it.

Vivid Imagery: The poem opens with a burst of colorful imagery, suggesting the arrival of summer as a grand spectacle. Dickinson paints a picture of beauty and abundance, invoking visions of rainbows, peacock feathers, and dreamy butterflies. These images evoke a sense of wonder and enchantment, inviting readers to enter the magical world of summer.

Personification and Movement: Throughout the poem, Dickinson personifies elements of nature, endowing them with human-like qualities and actions. The butterflies bestir, pools resume their whir, and bees march in murmuring platoons. This personification animates the natural world, imbuing it with movement, vitality, and purpose.

Symbolism and Allusion: Dickinson makes use of symbolic imagery to convey the richness and diversity of summer's bounty. The robins, orchis flowers, and regiment of wood and hill symbolize the abundance and variety of life that flourishes during the summer months. The reference to "Cashmere" and "Circassian land" suggests exotic and distant realms, adding to the poem's sense of mystery and allure.

Themes of Renewal and Rebirth: The poem celebrates the cyclical nature of life and the renewal that comes with each new season. Summer is depicted as a time of regeneration and rebirth, as the natural world bursts forth with energy and vitality. The return of the sun, the blooming of flowers, and the bustling activity of insects all symbolize the cycle of life and the eternal rhythm of nature.

Sense of Wonder and Awe: Above all, "Summer's Armies" conveys a sense of wonder and awe at the beauty and abundance of the natural world. Dickinson's language is imbued with a sense of reverence and admiration for the splendor of summer, inviting readers to marvel at the intricate tapestry of life that unfolds during this season.

In conclusion, "Summer's Armies" is a lyrical celebration of summer's arrival and the vitality of the natural world. Through its rich imagery, personification, and symbolism, the poem captures the essence of summer as a time of beauty, abundance, and renewal, inviting readers to revel in the magic of the season.