EMILY Dickinson (1830-1886), the New England poet, had a unique style, elliptical and strewn with dashes and capital letters. Her sheer originality is fascinating and here it’s possible to tease out the message of her lines.

THE ROBIN’S MY CRITERION FOR TUNE

The Robin’s my Criterion for Tune –

Because I grow – where Robins do –

But, were I Cuckoo born –

I’d swear by him –

The ode familiar – rules the Noon –

The Buttercup’s, my whim for Bloom –

Because, we’re Orchard sprung –

But, were I Britain born,

I’d Daisies spurn –

None but the Nut – October fit –

Because, through dropping it,

The Seasons flit – I’m taught –

Without the Snow’s Tableau

Winter, were lie – to me -

Because I see – New Englandly –

The Queen, discerns like me –

Provincially –