First Stanza:
The first stanza sets the scene with the image of "the leaves like women loosen[ing] their scarfs," suggesting a deliberate and graceful motion as they fall from the trees. The comparison of the leaves to women hints at a sense of vulnerability and grace in their descent.
Second Stanza:
In the second stanza, the speaker notes that the leaves "drop[ping] like flakes from the shapen snow" creates "a carpet" on the ground. The comparison of the leaves to snowflakes signifies delicacy and abundance. The falling leaves cover the ground like a blanket, creating a sense of softness and comfort while also mirroring the fleeting nature of the season.
Third Stanza:
The third stanza takes a more reflective tone. The speaker remarks on the leaves "plung[ing] like fate/ Through ventures of decks," where decks could refer to the layers of life experiences one encounters. This metaphorical plunge highlights the unpredictable nature of life's journey and suggests the inevitability of challenges and changes.
Fourth Stanza:
In the fourth stanza, the speaker observes the leaves "stirr[ing] to go/ Like children starting from school." This depiction of the leaves as children conveys a sense of excitement and anticipation, contrasting with the somber undertones of the previous stanza. It also alludes to the idea of embracing new beginnings and letting go of the past.
Fifth Stanza:
The poem concludes with the speaker acknowledging the fallen leaves as "the way to go/ By root, by wind, by prayer," suggesting that the natural process of falling is itself a profound journey of growth and transformation. The phrase "by root, by wind, by prayer" encompasses three distinct forces – the underground, the elemental, and the spiritual – symbolizing the various means through which life evolves and changes.
Overall, "Falling Leaves" captures the essence of autumn's beauty while exploring themes of transience, change, and the cycles of life. Dickinson uses vivid imagery, similes, and metaphors to create a multi-layered poem that invites readers to reflect on the delicate nature of existence and the inevitability of life's cycles.