I heard a Fly buzz — when I died
by Emily Dickinson
I heard a Fly buzz — when I died is one of Emily Dickinson's most celebrated and frequently taught poems, a startling depiction of the moment of death interrupted by a humble fly. "With Blue — uncertain — stumbling Buzz — / Between the light — and me —"
I heard a Fly buzz — when I died — The Stillness in the Room Was like the Stillness in the Air — Between the Heaves of Storm — The Eyes around — had wrung them dry — And Breaths were gathering firm For that last Onset — when the King Be witnessed — in the Room — I willed my Keepsakes — Signed away What portion of me be Assignable — and then it was There interposed a Fly — With Blue — uncertain — stumbling Buzz — Between the light — and me — And then the Windows failed — and then I could not see to see —