Emily Dickinson: There came a day

E m i l y D i c k i n s o n

(1830-1886)

There came a day

There came a day – at Summer’s full –

Entirely for me –

I thought that such were for the Saints –

Where Resurrections – be –

The sun – as common – went abroad –

The flowers – accustomed – blew,

As if no soul – that solstice passed –

Which maketh all things – new –

The time was scarce profaned – by speech –

The falling of a word

Was needless – as at Sacrament –

The Wardrobe – of our Lord!

Each was to each – the sealed church –

Permitted to commune – this time –

Lest we too awkward show

At Supper of “the Lamb.”

The hours slid fast – as hours will –

Clutched tight – by greedy hands –

So – faces on two Decks look back –

Bound to opposing lands.

And so, when all the time had leaked,

Without external sound,

Each bound the other’s Crucifix –

We gave no other bond –

Sufficient troth – that we shall rise,

Deposed – at length the Grave –

To that new marriage –

Justified – through Calvaries – of Love!

Emily Dickinson poetry

k e m p i s p o e t r y m a g a z i n e

Fleurs du Mal Magazine