Poem+number+509+-++If+Anybody's+Friend+Be+Dead

If anybody’s friend be dead It’s sharpest of the theme The thinking how they walked alive -- At such and such a time -- Their costume, of a Sunday, Some manner of the Hair -- A prank nobody knew but them Lost, in the Sepulchre -- How warm, they were, on such a day, You almost feel the date -- So short way off it seems -- And now -- they’re Centuries from that -- How pleased they were, at what you said -- You try to touch the smile And dip your fingers in the frost -- When was it -- Can you tell -- You asked the Company to tea -- Acquaintance -- just a few -- And chatted close with this Grand Thing That don’t remember you -- Past Bows, and Invitations -- Past Interview, and Vow -- Past what Ourself can estimate -- That -- makes the Quick of Woe!

I think this poem talks of the soul, and how it is different than the body. When someone is living, their soul is in their body, and people see the body, and think it is the soul. I know that sounds like complete jibberish, but it is the only way I can think to describe it. Emily wants so badly to know what happens after death, and she seems to know that the soul separates from the body-- the body is what dies. I think one of her beliefs also is that the soul becomes a clean slate when you die, and how people will miss you, but you will not even know they ever existed. She shows this with her mentioning of everyday things, and how they won't matter at all after.

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