My own poem is intended to be an extension of the theme in Dickinson’s poem. I wanted to portray that same sense of being at ease in the presence of such an intimidating figure as death, while only hinting at “His” identity. As a matter of fact the name only appears in the title of the poem itself. I also wanted to capture the reader’s attention with a strong title that gave a strong suggestion as to what the poem contained within. I wanted to make the reader feel as though they really did not have much of a choice, that they would “feel” forced to be curious.
I believe that the theme in Dickinson’s poem is universal and could be applied to any are and any age. There is some historical context apparent in imagery that is no longer significant. The carriage, for instance, is no longer a means of travel and harkens back to a time before the invention of the gasoline-powered automobile. Also, the description of the characters clothing; the tippet is a type of cape worn across the shoulders. The gossamer gown and tulle are more reminiscent of a burial outfit as the former is a very thin cloth and the latter a thin, netting used for veils. Obviously this type of funerary attire is not present in modern times.
As for my own poem, I wanted to steer clear of any and all associations with any historical context. I wanted it to be just as viable one hundred years ago as it is now. I gave no description of clothing or any surroundings that would betray the age in which my character finds himself. I wanted to let the reader imagine whatever time period or location they would like for the setting of this story. My intention was to portray a person who went about their daily life, blindly unaware of what lies beyond the edges of their perceived world. That is, until the day that “he” sees death beyond the gates that he passes every day. I meant for this “place” beyond the gates to be hinted at as being a cemetery that, as most people, he would pass quickly and without paying much attention to. After all, don’t most of us walk around with our cheeks turned away from death, with an “out of sight, out of mind” mentality as far as the end of our lives is concerned?
I want the reader to be drawn in by my title and expect to be led by the hand and have explained why it is titled so. However, once inside, I want the subtle hints and allegations to allow them to paint their own picture. I want to leave the pre story and meanings up to them to discover and create. Just as I prefer in reading a story, also in writing I like to leave more “up in the air” for the reader to form whatever definition they choose.
In conclusion, I definitely agree more with the beliefs of William Wordsworth and his definition of the “spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings”. I do believe that all writing, as with all art, comes from a place of deep emotion. I know that my inspiration comes from a place a deep emotion. Every story I have ever imagined, every word I have ever put to paper stemmed from whatever was in my soul at the time. We each see the world in our own unique way, we live in our heads. Therefore we each bring all of that into our writing, into any of our creations. Every work of art, especially literature, contains a piece of the essence of the soul of its creator. If you write from a place of emotion, from what you truly know and feel, you can only be writing truth.