To Emily Dickinson

You who desired so much—in vain to ask—

Yet fed you hunger like an endless task,

Dared dignify the labor, bless the quest—

Achieved that stillness ultimately best,

Being, of all, least sought for: Emily, hear!

O sweet, dead Silencer, most suddenly clear

When singing that Eternity possessed

And plundered momently in every breast;

—Truly no flower yet withers in your hand.

The harvest you descried and understand

Needs more than wit to gather, love to bind.

Some reconcilement of remotest mind—

Leaves Ormus rubyless, and Ophir chill.

Else tears heap all within one clay-cold hill.