If I should cease to bring a Rose

If I should cease to bring a Rose
Upon a festal day,
'Twill be because beyond the Rose
I have been called away --

If I should cease to take the names
My buds commemorate --
'Twill be because Death's finger
Claps my murmuring lip!

About Emily Dickinson

American poet known for her unconventional use of form and syntax. Most of her work was published posthumously.