Death is like the insect

From Free media library

Written by:

Emily Dickinson (other works)

Poem #:

1716

Composed:

Published:

Volume:

Language:

English

Type:

Poetry

Form:

Rhyme:

Preceded by:

Consulting summer's clock, -1715-

Succeeded by:

Did life's penurious length -1717-

Wikipedia article </table>

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 saw,
Baffle, if it cost you
Everything you are.

Then, if it have burrowed
Out of reach of skill --
Wring the tree and leave it,
'Tis the vermin's will.