5.9.07

flickered in the night...

Emily Dickinson

#601


A still – Volcano – Life –
That flickered in the night –
When it was dark enough to do
Without erasing sight –

A quiet – Earthquake Style –
Too subtle to suspect
By natures this side Naples –
The North cannot detect

The Solemn – Torrid – Symbol –
The lips that never lie –
Whose hissing corals part – and shut –
And Cities – ooze away –

*

One of my favorite poem about the writing life – among its many possible readings – and probably my favorite Dickinson piece. It speaks to me, directly, on different levels.

4 comments:

Oberon said...

......i am speaking to you now.

sam of the ten thousand things said...

Thanks for the read, Oberon, and for the speaking.

Anonymous said...

This poem is visionary. I know I am stating the obvious, but it really strikes me as being illuminated/illuminating in its aim and language.

sam of the ten thousand things said...

That's an interesting point, Clare. Thanks for the comment.