It’s Emily Dickinson’s birthday. Here’s a poem I wrote about her, ‘found’ from within her own brilliant creations.
Emily
When I was a little girl
They shut me up in prose
Because I dealt my pretty words
Like treason to my foes.
A loaded gun – they called me –
And carried me away
And locked me in the closet –
A false captivity!
Demure – and you’re dangerous –
Assent – and you are sane –
I breathed enough to simulate
Their narrow parlor game.
But a wounded heart dives deeper –
Tis the profundity of pain
That drives one to explore
The glittering continent of the brain.
And though they could not see my mind
Behind its Vesuvian face,
Or sense its darkest madness
Or know its divine grace
As easy as the gushing spring
That wends its way to sea,
My inland Soul exhaled –
Into Infinity –
* A found poem sourced from the poems of Emily Dickinson
Comments 0
delightful – and, as you say, ‘found’ rather than contrived;
I’ve never really read Emily Dickinson but keep on thinking I should; you’ve just added to the prods
Author
Thank you! And yes, you should – her poems are startling, not what you would expect at all. Inside their demure little rhyming packages, they are fierce and incisive and original. So good!
Wonderful, Michele! A delicious and fitting tribute to a remarkable spirit and mind. Emily Dickinson lived about 15 minutes from where I went to college–her spirit permeated, and was celebrated, quite fully there. Thank you. xo
Author
Oh, how wonderful! Thank you. xo
I’ve always loved Emily Dickinson. You must know her so well to have written this the way you have.
Happy birthday Emily and happy holidays Michele.
I’ve always loved Emily Dickinson. You must know her so well to have written this the way you have.
Happy birthday Emily and happy holidays Michele.
Ah, thank you, Malcolm! And wishing you the same.
Author
Ah, thank you, Malcolm! And wishing you the same.
Enjoyed this poem, Michele. ‘Found’ poems are not easy to write. This one is smooth and natural.
Hi Thomas. So glad you enjoyed this poem. Thanks for reading and stopping by to comment. I hope you’re well. Your blog is quiet of late!
I am well, thank you. I have scheduled a poem to post tomorrow. I’ll try to post regularly again. Keep up the great writing and have a great day.
Enjoyed this poem, Michele. ‘Found’ poems are not easy to write. This one is smooth and natural.
Author
Hi Thomas. So glad you enjoyed this poem. Thanks for reading and stopping by to comment. I hope you’re well. Your blog is quiet of late!
I am well, thank you. I have scheduled a poem to post tomorrow. I’ll try to post regularly again. Keep up the great writing and have a great day.
An inland soul…
Isn’t it a wonderful expression? The inland sea we are all searching for…
It is…
An inland soul…
Author
Isn’t it a wonderful expression? The inland sea we are all searching for…
It is…
Michele, may your New Year be amazingly wonderful as you embrace each new radiant day! I have missed you dear sister and I am always inspired by the soulfulness which dances in your words. The poem above to me is one of the most beautiful I read by you! It radiates and brings alive what lives within the heart of the poet I have come to know! I realized I have neglected visiting your blog…its a new year and there is a lot of creativity which God has placed within you with His gift of love. The cup within you has endless possibilities and he blessed you to be able to communicate with humankind in the most inspiring way. I love you my sister and you are a special gem, listen to the voice inside yourself, within your spirit, and know that words are about to pour out with blessings for all who embrace them. I can honestly say, that I wished I could have written a poem as good as that…it is awesome! God bless you and your family always1
Wendell, thank you so much for this kind and generous comment, and for your good wishes. It’s truly wonderful to hear from you, and I hope you are well and wish you all the best also. Take care. x
Michele, may your New Year be amazingly wonderful as you embrace each new radiant day! I have missed you dear sister and I am always inspired by the soulfulness which dances in your words. The poem above to me is one of the most beautiful I read by you! It radiates and brings alive what lives within the heart of the poet I have come to know! I realized I have neglected visiting your blog…its a new year and there is a lot of creativity which God has placed within you with His gift of love. The cup within you has endless possibilities and he blessed you to be able to communicate with humankind in the most inspiring way. I love you my sister and you are a special gem, listen to the voice inside yourself, within your spirit, and know that words are about to pour out with blessings for all who embrace them. I can honestly say, that I wished I could have written a poem as good as that…it is awesome! God bless you and your family always1
Author
Wendell, thank you so much for this kind and generous comment, and for your good wishes. It’s truly wonderful to hear from you, and I hope you are well and wish you all the best also. Take care. x
P.S. Emily is one of my most favorite poets also thanks for sharing!
P.S. Emily is one of my most favorite poets also thanks for sharing!
True to her style and spirit ☺️
True to her style and spirit ☺️