Emily Dickinson describes a summer day in New England with the quirky originality of dashes and capital letters, and moments of enigma, that are her hallmark.
THE TREES LIKE TASSELS
The trees like Tassels – hit – and swung –
There seemed to rise a Tune
From Miniature Creatures
Accompanying the Sun -
Far Psalteries of Summer –
Enamoring the Ear
They never yet did satisfy –
Remotest – when most fair
~
The Sun shone whole at intervals –
The Half – then utter hid –
As if himself were optional
And had Estates of Cloud
~
Sufficient to enfold Him
Eternally from view –
Except it were a whim of His
To let the Orchards grow –
~
A Bird sat careless on the fence –
One gossipped in the Lane
On silver matters charmed a Snake
Just winding round a Stone –
~
Bright Flowers slit a Calyx
And soared upon a Stem
Like Hindered Flags – Sweet hoisted –
With Spices – in the hem –
’Twas more – I cannot mention –
How mean - to those that see –
Vandyke’s Delineation
Of Nature’s - Summer Day!
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