Dear Emily



You wrote with
a perfect pen,
gentle words
to raise kindred thought
from disillusionment’s grave.

Dear Emily,
Was it with God’s pen you spoke
or a sinner’s hand who knew redemption?

Your silence leaves me without an amen.


Comments

Janet Martin said…

stunningly beautiful and evocative!
Anonymous said…
How beautiful this poem is.
Fireblossom said…
I think that she would like your question and your poem, Susie.
Geraldine said…
A beautiful and touching tribute to a great artist.
Susie Swanson said…
Yes she would love this.. She was a grand lady and you're right up there as well..Blessings
Victoria said…
Emily has been the subject of so many poems and the source of so many questions. Wouldn't you love to sit down to a cup of tea with her and talk it all out?
Daydreamertoo said…
I think it was probably a bit of both God's hand and a sinner's redemption and, I do think she was be pleased to know that she provoked the thoughts and questions.
Beautiful.
Brian Miller said…
a shiver on the last line...but i do think she would appreciate it as well...lovely verse susie...
colleen said…
Very haunting. I want to write to Emily too.
Other Mary said…
Wonderful - love that last line!
Mary said…
If only she would have shared more. But then again, after someone passes away, we always think about things we wished we knew.
mrs mediocrity said…
yes, a fabulous tribute... so evocative!
Steve King said…
Spare, beautiful...a wonderful transparent voice to bring this home!
Unknown said…
The voice rings clear as a bell and leaves that echo of rumination. Very nicely done!
Claudia said…
wish she could read it...this really honors her..
Unknown said…
terrific write, love the personal conversation aspect here, quite the tribute. Thanks
James Rainsford said…
Great tribute. I love her poetry.
Tigerbrite said…
Lovely tribute:)
ayala said…
Great tribute. Great ending.
Uneven Stephen said…
Nice. Makes me want to sit down and read some Emily Dickinson.
Ginny Brannan said…
"Was it with God’s pen you spoke
or a sinner’s hand who knew redemption?"

I love these lines, the answer to which we alone must decide, as we will know from her in this lifetime.
Another New England Poet, Emily lived just up the road a piece from me, in the lovely little college town of Amherst, MA. She and Robert Frost are two of my favorites.
Anonymous said…
What a poetic tribute...short, sharp...but saying a lot....I've never read her poems (I don't think)- but now I will.....that close is immense
Beth Winter said…
A beautiful tribute for a beautiful poet. Truly enjoyed.
Unknown said…
sad ending.

poets differ, glad to see you think seriously about her.
A beautiful tribute. I love Emily.