Saturday, November 15, 2008

Poetry Break: Emily Dickinson

He ate and drank the precious Words--
His spirit grew robust--
He knew no more that he was poor,
Nor that his frame was Dust--

He danced along the dingy Days
And this Bequest of Wings
Was but a Book--What Liberty
A loosened spirit brings--

~Emily Dickinson

4 comments:

Erin said...

I've never seen this one before. So much of Dickinson's poetry tends to be on the depressing side; this one feels refreshingly life-affirming...

Beth said...

Yes, I liked it for that reason too. I like the way she explores, in just a few words, how books can "transport" us. Reminds me of her "there is no frigate like a book..." poem a bit!

Erin said...

Yes, I thought of that one too; I have a bookmark with that poem on it, given to me by my elementary school principal. A favorite for sure!

Beth said...

Oh, what a nice gift from your elementary school principal! No wonder you remember the poem. :-)