Can someone help me to understand this poem? What's she implying? Thanks in advance.

I died for beauty but was scarce
by Emily Dickinson

I died for beauty but was scarce
Adjusted in the tomb,
When one who died for truth was lain
In an adjoining room.

He questioned softly why I failed?
"For beauty," I replied.
"And I for truth,--the two are one;
We brethren are," he said.

And so, as kinsmen met a night,
We talked between the rooms,
Until the moss had reached our lips,
And covered up our names.

I think what she is trying to say here is that there is beauty in truth. Implying that both are symbols of perfection.

I think she may be implying that both beauty and truth are things we strive for and usually-in vain. That while there is beauty in truth and vice versa, they are the two things that we really desire. To be "beautiful" to ourselves and to give the appearance of to others. And the truth to know the difference. She was a sad person at times.

"Beauty is truth, truth beauty,--that is all
Ye know on earth, and all ye need to know."
-- John Keats

Now I wish I was in class- I'd turn that in as the answer.

pam

i am finding it difficult to understand the poem

Mary, hit "Flat View" and look at the responses above yours.

Les

At the end, their voices are silenced and their names are covered up. This implies that all they have said will fade away and they will be forgotten.