The fascinating chill that music leaves

Emily DickinsonContemplative

The fascinating chill that music leaves Is Earth's corroboration Of Ecstasy's impediment -- 'Tis Rapture's germination In timid and tumultuous soil A fine -- estranging creature -- To something upper wooing us But not to our Creator --

Emily Dickinson

Mood:: Contemplative
Topics:: transience, soul, music, enchantment, estrangement

What is this poem about?

Summary

After music fades, it can leave a peculiar, shivery residue—what Dickinson calls a “fascinating chill.” For the speaker, that chill isn’t just an afterglow. It’s earth’s way of confirming that pure ecstasy is always blocked, always just beyond our grasp in this life.

Read the full summary

Read alsoSummary →

Learn by heart: tap a gap

The chill that music leaves

In timid and soil

Open the trainer

Keep going on the web or in the app.

The fascinating chill that music leaves

What is this poem about?

Learn by heart: tap a gap

Describe a feeling — we’ll find a poem

Learn Poems app

What is this poem about?

Blue Stars and Gold

Holy Sonnet VIII: If Faithful Souls Be Alike Glorified

What is this poem about?

Learn by heart: tap a gap

Describe a feeling — we’ll find a poem

More by Emily Dickinson

In the same mood

On the same theme

What is this poem about?

More by Emily Dickinson

In the same mood

On the same theme