WHY DID Emily Dickinson write the poem sleep?

It's impossible to know for sure why Emily Dickinson wrote "Sleep" (also known as "The Night" or "The Sun's a Thief"). Unlike many of her poems, which deal with death, nature, and spirituality, "Sleep" is more focused on the physical experience of sleep itself.

However, we can consider some possible interpretations:

* A reflection on the beauty and power of sleep: Dickinson describes sleep as a thief who steals the day, but she also uses metaphors like "a velvet band" and "a silken shroud" to emphasize its beauty and comfort. The poem could be a celebration of sleep's ability to provide rest and escape from the world.

* A meditation on the relationship between consciousness and unconsciousness: Dickinson's use of the word "thief" suggests a tension between the conscious and unconscious mind. The poem might be a contemplation of how sleep allows us to surrender to the unknown and enter a realm where our awareness is suspended.

* A personal experience of insomnia or difficulty sleeping: Some scholars have suggested that the poem reflects Dickinson's own struggles with sleep. The line "The Night – is as a Velvet Band –" could be a metaphor for the weight of her thoughts and anxieties that kept her awake.

Ultimately, the meaning of "Sleep" is open to interpretation. Dickinson's poems are known for their ambiguity, and each reader can bring their own experiences and perspectives to the text. There's no single "right" answer, but the poem's vivid imagery and introspective tone offer a rich space for reflection.