A narrow Fellow in the Grass - Emily Dickinson
An Encounter with a Slithering Stranger
A narrow Fellow in the Grass
Occasionally rides—
You may have met him? Did you not
His notice instant is—
The Grass divides as with a Comb—
A spotted Shaft is seen,
And then it closes at your feet
And opens further on—
He likes a Boggy Acre,
A Floor too cool for Corn—
Yet when a Boy, and Barefoot—
I more than once at Noon
Have passed, I thought, a Whip-lash
Unbraiding in the Sun—
When stooping to secure it,
It wrinkled, and was gone—
Several of Nature's People
I know, and they know me—
I feel for them a transport
Of cordiality—
But never met this Fellow
Attended or alone
Without a tighter breathing
And Zero at the Bone—
Emily Dickinson’s poem “A narrow Fellow in the Grass” is a compelling reflection on the startling experience of encountering a snake in the natural world. At first glance, the poem describes the sight of a narrow fellow—this mysterious figure that moves silently and unexpectedly through the tall grass, surprising the speaker with its sudden appearance. By calling it a “Fellow,” Dickinson personifies the snake, simultaneously recognizing its presence as part of nature while highlighting the tension it can bring.
The poem creates a blend of familiarity and unease: the opening lines suggest that most people have likely encountered this creature in some form or another, yet it remains elusive. The unexpected moves of the snake, described as riding on the grass and leaving behind only a brief sight of its spotted shaft, amplify both the speaker’s wonder and fear. Dickinson’s close observation of these details underscores her interest in nature as a realm full of both comfort and shock.
As the verses progress, the speaker reveals a childhood memory. She recalls being barefoot and stumbling upon what she first thought to be a whip-lash lying in the sun, only to have it vanish with an unsettling swiftness. This memory encapsulates the heart of the poem: the mixture of intrigue and alarm when confronting something beyond one’s control. The snake is not merely an animal in the grass; it symbolizes all that is fascinating yet potentially frightening in the natural world.
Dickinson’s language also highlights her unique perspective on life. She gives human attributes to the snake and other creatures of “Nature’s People,” presenting a sense of camaraderie with the natural environment. However, despite feeling a kinship with many of nature’s beings, the speaker confesses that the presence of this “Fellow” always brings a visceral reaction—a heightened awareness akin to a chill or a brush with the uncanny.
Ultimately, “A narrow Fellow in the Grass” encapsulates a universal experience: that moment when you realize nature can be both intimately close and starkly foreign. Dickinson’s choice of imagery and gentle punctuation invites the reader to pause and experience the hush of discovery. The poem resonates with those who have felt a mixture of thrill and caution in the wilderness, reminding us that even familiar landscapes can harbor unexpected encounters.
In essence, Emily Dickinson deftly captures the delicate balance between awe and fear in the face of nature’s more enigmatic inhabitants. The poem stands as a testament to her poetic style—intimate observations paired with a deep emotional current, revealing how beauty and apprehension can seamlessly coexist under the calm surface of everyday life.
Key points
• Nature can inspire both fascination and fear.
• Even everyday encounters can be transformative.
• Personification highlights the thin barrier between humanity and the wild.
• Dickinson shows how sudden, unsettling moments can deepen our relationship with nature.