Friday, December 15, 2006

There's a certain Slant of light (258)

There's a certain Slant of light,
Winter Afternoons –
That oppresses, like the Heft
Of Cathedral Tunes –

Heavenly Hurt, it gives us –
We can find no scar,
But internal difference,
Where the Meanings, are –


None may teach it – Any –
'Tis the Seal Despair –
An imperial affliction
Sent us of the air –


When it comes, the Landscape listens –
Shadows – hold their breath –
When it goes, 'tis like the Distance
On the look of Death –



-- Emily Dickinson

3 comments:

Charles said...

I think this poem was quoted on a TV show I watched this week, and I want to say it was season 1 of Gilmore Girls.

Anonymous said...

"the Heft / Of Cathedral Tunes" is a beautiful moment of perfection in this poem -- but also is at the brain center of her literary argument with social and religious norms of her day. A great piece. Thanks for the post.

michi said...

ah yes. such beautiful moments here.

thanks for posting

hope you are well,

m