Cover art for What if I say I shall not wait! by Emily Dickinson

What if I say I shall not wait!

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What if I say I shall not wait! Lyrics

277

What if I say I shall not wait!
What if I burst the fleshly Gate
And pass escaped—to thee!

What if I file this Mortal—off
See where it hurt me—That's enough
And wade in Liberty!

They cannot take me—any more!
Dungeons can call—and Guns implore
Unmeaning—now—to me

As laughter—was—an hour ago
Or Laces—or a Travelling Show
Or who died—yesterday!

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Find answers to frequently asked questions about the song and explore its deeper meaning

  1. 41.
    Deed
  2. 73.
    What if I say I shall not wait!
  3. 107.
    Storm
  4. 108.
    The Rat
  5. 128.
    Epitaph
  6. 157.
    Requiem
  7. 161.
    Void
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