Skip to content

Death Quote by Emily Dickinson

“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 knife, Baffle, if it cost you Everything in life. Then, if it have burrowed Out of reach of skill, Ring the tree and leave it, — ’Tis the vermin’s will.” quote by Emily Dickinson
Download Open image
““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 knife, Baffle, if it cost you Everything in life. Then, if it have burrowed Out of reach of skill, Ring the tree and leave it, — ’Tis the vermin’s will.””

Emily Dickinson

About This Quote

Source Poem: Untitled (circa 1860)

Death is likened to a pest that can be lured or confronted; confronting it may cost everything, but sometimes one must accept its inevitability.

In simple terms: Death can be faced or avoided, but may demand everything.

Key Takeaway

Accept mortality and act wisely.

Themes

mortality challenge acceptance

Mood

somber thoughtful

Type

poetic philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal loss
  • health crises
  • ethical dilemmas

Key Concepts

risk management philosophical reflection spiritual contemplation

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you confront inevitable hardships?
  • What strategies help you accept loss?
A Different Perspective

Avoiding death entirely is impossible; acceptance is key.

2.2 out of 5 (7 ratings)

More by Emily Dickinson

Explore all 692 Emily Dickinson quotes

More Death quotes

Browse all 39,138 Death quotes