The Wind by Emily Dickinson
The Wind – tapped like a tired Man
by Emily Dickinson
The Wind — tapped like a tired Man --
And like a Host — "Come in"
I boldly answered — entered then
My Residence within
A Rapid — footless Guest --
To offer whom a Chair
Were as impossible as hand
A Sofa to the Air --
No Bone had He to bind Him --
His Speech was like the Push
Of numerous Humming Birds at once
From a superior Bush --
His Countenance — a Billow --
His Fingers, as He passed
Let go a music — as of tunes
Blown tremulous in Glass --
He visited — still flitting --
Then like a timid Man
Again, He tapped — 'twas flurriedly --
And I became alone --
countenance: the face; facial features
by Emily Dickinson
The Wind — tapped like a tired Man --
And like a Host — "Come in"
I boldly answered — entered then
My Residence within
A Rapid — footless Guest --
To offer whom a Chair
Were as impossible as hand
A Sofa to the Air --
No Bone had He to bind Him --
His Speech was like the Push
Of numerous Humming Birds at once
From a superior Bush --
His Countenance — a Billow --
His Fingers, as He passed
Let go a music — as of tunes
Blown tremulous in Glass --
He visited — still flitting --
Then like a timid Man
Again, He tapped — 'twas flurriedly --
And I became alone --
countenance: the face; facial features
“The Wind – tapped like a tired Man” Questions
1. What impression of the wind does the speaker present in the poem?
2. What qualities of the wind would lead Dickinson to describe it as “a Rapid – footless Guest” (line 5)?
3. What senses does the poet use to appeal to the reader’s imagination?
List at least two senses with a concrete detail from the poem to support your response.
The following Prezi Presentation may help you with an understanding of Emily Dickinson and the poem
1. What impression of the wind does the speaker present in the poem?
2. What qualities of the wind would lead Dickinson to describe it as “a Rapid – footless Guest” (line 5)?
3. What senses does the poet use to appeal to the reader’s imagination?
List at least two senses with a concrete detail from the poem to support your response.
The following Prezi Presentation may help you with an understanding of Emily Dickinson and the poem