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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.