"34 Words" by Andrew Dawes

     In 34 words, such bleak concepts as death, grief, and eternality are expertly examined and exposed. Filling the space of approximately two written sentences, Emily Dickinson’s poem “The Bustle in the House” perfectly illuminates these sombre, murky issues. Although Dickinson wrote this concise yet powerful piece in 1866, it was not published until after her death (“Emily Dickinson: The Poetry Foundation”). This poem is still as passionate today as when it was first penned. For modern readers, “The Bustle in the House” closely relates to those who are currently wrestling with grief and loss. In a comforting fashion, its solemnly warm tone radiates consolation and sympathy while brashly fingering the freezing emotions connected with death. Both painful grief and healing hope underlie this short poem’s intriguing message, tone, and themes.

     Although it is concise, “The Bustle in the House” still manages to masterfully explain life after loss. Describing events that take place after the death of a friend or family member, this poem pictures the tumultuous flurry of activity that inevitably follows:

  The bustle in a house

  The morning after death

  Is solemnest of industries

  Enacted upon earth. (quoted in “RPO -- Emily Dickinson: The Bustle in the  House”)

The “bustle” referred to in this first stanza paints dreary images of melancholy funeral preparations. Although the work is bitter, preparations for the deceased must be seen to, even if such proceedings are the “solemnest of industries.” The tone is immediately gloomy and dark, and the first stanza is largely overwritten by the theme of death. However, the second, and last, stanza of Dickinson’s poem subtly injects a foreign contaminant of hope into the corpse of depression:

  The sweeping up the heart,

  And putting love away

  We shall not want to use again

  Until eternity. (quoted in “RPO -- Emily Dickinson: The Bustle in the  House”)

While the emotional texture of the poem remains thick with sorrow, the last two lines lighten the mixture considerably. The word “eternity” implies a life-after-death situation, one in which the individual who has lost a loved one can eventually restore this relationship and love the deceased once again. Even though that love must be temporarily stowed away, it will be retrieved for use at another, more distant time. This theme of hope stands in stark contrast to the first stanza’s despondent bustle and mindless industry. In a mere 34 words, Dickinson navigates from the deepest shades of sorrow to the loftiest heights of hope.
     A powerful message lies underneath. Mourning the mortal end of a close relationship can strenuously tax an individual’s willpower and faith. In the midst of the dismal activity and unhappy adjustments, it is easy to lose sight of the person who has been lost. However, though it is impossible to love the deceased in exactly the same manner as when they walked the earth, glistening hope remains for those who can wait until eternity. Love shall be used again. It is this final guarantee of hope that defines Emily Dickinson’s poem as more than aimless ramblings. Although grief destroys, love yet remains. In this way, “The Bustle in the House” is truly death brought to life in 34 words.