There is Another Sky
by Emily Dickinson
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In this inspirational sonnet, Emily Dickinson writes to her younger brother Austin, urging him not to lose heart. She tells him that beyond the 'faded forests' and 'silent fields' of gloom there is 'another sky, ever serene and fair', and 'another sunshine' even where there seems to be darkness. She describes a little evergreen forest and a brighter garden where no frost has ever touched the unfading flowers and a bright bee hums. Lovingly she pleads, 'Prithee, my brother, into my garden come!' The poem carries a 'never say die' message: whatever the challenges, a positive attitude reveals a brighter, hopeful side of life. Here the garden stands for the choices and hope that life always offers.
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'There is Another Sky' is an inspirational Petrarchan sonnet in which Emily Dickinson, writing to her brother Austin, offers comfort and encouragement. Against images of gloom she sets a vision of a bright, unfading, hopeful world, urging him to choose optimism.
Beyond the gloom, another sky
The poet assures Austin that there is 'another sky, ever serene and fair', and 'another sunshine' shining even where 'it be darkness there.' She tells him never to mind the 'faded forests' and 'silent fields', images of disappointment and sadness, because a brighter reality is always available.
The brighter, unfading garden
She describes a 'little forest, whose leaf is ever green', and a 'brighter garden, where not a frost has been.' In its 'unfading flowers' she hears 'the bright bee hum.' These images of perpetual freshness and life symbolise the cheerful, hopeful side of existence that a positive outlook can find.
The sonnet ends with a warm, loving plea: 'Prithee, my brother, into my garden come!', an invitation to leave despair behind and share in hope, optimism and the endless possibilities that life offers.