Friday, November 30, 2012

VI

by Emily Dickinson

IF you were coming in the fall,
I'd brush the summer by
With half a smile and half a spurn,
As housewives do a fly.

If I could see you in a year,
I'd wind the months in balls,
And put them each in separate drawers,
Until their time befalls.

If only centuries delayed,
I'd count them on my hand,
Subtracting till my fingers dropped
Into Van Diemen's land.

If certain, when this life was out,
That yours and mine should be,
I'd toss it yonder like a rind,
And taste eternity.

But now, all ignorant of the length
Of time's uncertain wing,
It goads me, like the goblin bee,
That will not taste its sting.

My gorgeous fiance and I. 



XXII

by Emily Dickinson

WHERE every bird is bold to go,
       And bees abashless play,
The foreigner before he knocks,
        Must thrust the tears away.