In Emily Dickinson's poem 986 the reader learns about the theme of nature-how nature can be presented as a non-harmful presence until one realizes the opposite is true. Incorporated in this poem are many poetic devices which vary from stanza to stanza. It is important to have a general understanding of the theme and certain poetic devices from a close read of this poem.

Dickinson's poem 986 can be referred to as "A Narrow Fellow in the Grass" (not the actual title), which guides readers to a theme based on nature. At first, the speaker experiences nature from a point of view of understanding and friendliness towards the animal presented in the poem. However, by the final quatrain the reader learns of the fear that the creature could bring. The speaker is knowledgeable about this "narrow fellow" which indicates his need for a personified nature that he wants to interact...