Poems by Emily Dickinson
 
All but Death, can be Adjusted
Dynasties repaired
Systems settled in their Sockets
Citadels dissolved.
 
Wastes of Lives - resown with Colors
By Succeeding Springs
Death unto itself Exception
Is exempt from Change.


As Summer into Autumn slips
And yet we sooner say
“The Summer” than “the Autumn,” lest
We turn the sun away,

And almost count it an Affront
The presence to concede
Of one however lovely, not
The one that we have loved –

So we evade the charge of Years
On one attempting shy
The Circumvention of the Shaft
Of Life’s Declivity.


At least – to pray – is left – is left –
Oh Jesus – in the Air –
I know not which thy chamber is –
I’m knocking – everywhere.

Thou settest Earthquake in the South –
And Maelstrom, in the Sea –
Say, Jesus Christ of Nazareth –
Hast thou no Arm for Me?


Beauty crowds me till I die
Beauty mercy have on me
But if I expire today
Let it be in sight of thee.


Behind Me – dips Eternity –
Before Me – Immortality –
Myself – the Term between –
Death but the Drift of Eastern Gray,
Dissolving into Dawn away,
Before the West begin.

’Tis Kingdoms – afterward – they say –
In perfect – pauseless Monarchy –
Whose Prince – is Son of None –
Himself – His Dateless Dynasty –
Himself – Himself diversify –
In Duplicate divine.

’Tis Miracle before Me – then –
’Tis Miracle behind – between –
A Crescent in the Sea –
With Midnight to the North of Her –
And Midnight to the South of Her –
And Maelstrom – in the Sky.


Besides the Autumn poets sing
A few prosaic days
A little this side of the snow
And that side of the Haze.

A few incisive Mornings,
A few Ascetic Eves –
Gone Mr. Bryant’s “golden rod”,
And Mr. Thomson’s “sheaves.”

Still, is the bustle in the Brook –
Sealed are the spicy valves –
Mesmeric fingers softly touch
The Eyes of many Elves.

Perhaps a squirrel may remain,
My sentiments to share.
Grant me, Oh Lord, a sunny mind –
Thy windy will to bear!