Poems by Emily Dickinson, Three Series, Complete · Emily Dickinson
Chapter 4
Chapter 118 of 146 · 1 min read
SATISFIED.
One blessing had I, than the rest So larger to my eyes That I stopped gauging, satisfied, For this enchanted size.
It was the limit of my dream, The focus of my prayer, — A perfect, paralyzing bliss Contented as despair.
I knew no more of want or cold, Phantasms both become, For this new value in the soul, Supremest earthly sum.
The heaven below the heaven above Obscured with ruddier hue. Life's latitude leant over-full; The judgment perished, too.
Why joys so scantily disburse, Why Paradise defer, Why floods are served to us in bowls, — I speculate no more.
V.
WITH A FLOWER.
When roses cease to bloom, dear, And violets are done, When bumble-bees in solemn flight Have passed beyond the sun,
The hand that paused to gather Upon this summer's day Will idle lie, in Auburn, — Then take my flower, pray!
VI.
SONG.
Summer for thee grant I may be When summer days are flown! Thy music still when whippoorwill And oriole are done!
For thee to bloom, I'll skip the tomb And sow my blossoms o'er! Pray gather me, Anemone, Thy flower forevermore!
VII.
LOYALTY.
Split the lark and you'll find the music, Bulb after bulb, in silver rolled, Scantily dealt to the summer morning, Saved for your ear when lutes be old.
Loose the flood, you shall find it patent, Gush after gush, reserved for you; Scarlet experiment! sceptic Thomas, Now, do you doubt that your bird was true?
VIII.
To lose thee, sweeter than to gain All other hearts I knew. 'T is true the drought is destitute, But then I had the dew!
The Caspian has its realms of sand, Its other realm of sea; Without the sterile perquisite No Caspian could be.
IX.
Poor little heart! Did they forget thee? Then dinna care! Then dinna care!
Proud little heart! Did they forsake thee? Be debonair! Be debonair!
Frail little heart! I would not break thee: Could'st credit me? Could'st credit me?
Gay little heart! Like morning glory Thou'll wilted be; thou'll wilted be!
