"If You Were Coming in the Fall" is a poem written by Emily Dickinson, one of the most renowned American poets of the 19th century. The poem is a love letter from the speaker to a beloved, expressing the speaker's desire for their return.
The poem is written in rhyming quatrains, with each stanza consisting of four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, with the final line of each stanza rhyming with the second line. This structure gives the poem a sense of balance and stability, reflecting the speaker's longing for the return of their beloved.
The poem begins with the speaker expressing their excitement at the prospect of the beloved's return in the fall. They describe the natural beauty of the fall season, with its "amber twilights" and "mellow fruitfulness," as a way of inviting the beloved to share in this beauty. The speaker also mentions how they have been waiting for this moment, as if they were "sick for home." This suggests that the beloved's absence has been difficult for the speaker, and that their return will bring a sense of healing and comfort.
In the second stanza, the speaker imagines the various ways in which they will welcome the beloved when they arrive. They will "ring the bell" to announce their arrival, and will "tie the ribbons" on the gates to celebrate. The speaker also mentions that they will "light the fire," suggesting that they will create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for the beloved.
In the final stanza, the speaker reflects on the idea of home and the comfort it brings. They describe home as a "fairer page," or a beautiful place, and express their desire to "sit and sew" with the beloved, suggesting a sense of domesticity and intimacy. The speaker also mentions that they will "tease life" with the beloved, perhaps suggesting that they will enjoy each other's company and make the most of their time together.
Overall, "If You Were Coming in the Fall" is a poem about the longing for the return of a loved one and the joy and comfort that their presence brings. The speaker's descriptions of the fall season and the welcoming atmosphere they will create for the beloved reflect their deep affection and desire for their return. The poem captures the emotions of longing and anticipation that many of us have experienced when waiting for someone we love to come home.
