In this poem by Emily Dickinson, the author reflects on the moment of death and the transition from life to an afterlife. The imagery suggests a peaceful farewell as the subject leaves behind their earthly possessions, symbolizing a journey towards a greater, perhaps divine, existence. The simplicity of the wardrobe highlights a humble departure, evoking a sense of tranquility in the face of mortality.
The poem also conveys the idea that once the subject has passed away, they become elusive to the living. The speaker expresses an inability to find the deceased among the living, implying that they have transcended into a realm beyond human perception. This sense of longing and the notion of angels observing the journey evoke themes of hope and the continuity of the soul after death.