Emily Dickinson imagines two lovers meeting again after death, just before they face God’s judgment. They are “fleshless”—pure souls—and their reunion isn’t physical but happens entirely through a shared look. That gaze feels like heaven itself, even a “Heaven of Heavens,” simply because they’re allowed to see each other once more. The speaker is full of wonder: no earthly lifetime weighs on them now; they seem “unborn” and new, yet having beheld one another, they become infinitely more alive. Then the poem shifts into a quiet, ecstatic question—was any human wedding ever like this? Paradise itself plays host, and the highest angels, cherubim and seraphim, are just unobtrusive guests. The mood is hushed and radiant, as if the soul’s deepest longing for reunion has been answered in a way that makes all mortal joy feel faint.
'Twas a long Parting -- but the time — Summary
'Twas a long Parting -- but the time For Interview -- had Come -- Before the Judgment Seat of God -- The last -- and second time
These Fleshless Lovers met -- A Heaven in a Gaze -- A Heaven of Heavens -- the Privilege Of one another's Eyes --
No Lifetime -- on Them -- Appareled as the new Unborn -- except They had beheld -- Born infiniter -- now --
Was Bridal -- e'er like This? A Paradise -- the Host -- And Cherubim -- and Seraphim -- The unobtrusive Guest --