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!