Word Gems
exploring self-realization, sacred personhood, and full humanity
Emily Dickinson
After great pain, a formal feeling comes
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Emily Dickinson (1830-1886)
After great pain, a formal feeling comes –
The Nerves sit ceremonious, like Tombs –
The stiff Heart questions ‘was it He, that bore,’
And ‘Yesterday, or Centuries before’?
The Feet, mechanical, go round –
A Wooden way
Of Ground, or Air, or Ought –
Regardless grown,
A Quartz contentment, like a stone –
This is the Hour of Lead –
Remembered, if outlived,
As Freezing persons, recollect the Snow –
First – Chill – then Stupor – then the letting go –
Editor's last word:
I am astonished at the inner workings of this poem by Emily.
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