There's a certain Slant of light [by Emily Dickinson]

There's a certain Slant of light,

Winter Afternoons –

That oppresses, like the Heft

Of Cathedral Tunes –

 

Heavenly Hurt, it gives us –

We can find no scar,

But internal difference –

Where the Meanings, are –

 

None may teach it – Any –

'Tis the seal Despair –

An imperial affliction

Sent us of the Air –

 

When it comes, the Landscape listens –

Shadows – hold their breath –

When it goes, 'tis like the Distance

On the look of Death –

 

Comments

[Emily Fragos]

Thank you for posting this masterpiece by our great poet who most wipes me out. I love this famous, beautiful photo, too, with the troubled eye. I believe it is from her brief student days at Mt. Holyoke.

[Susan Aizenberg]

My favorite ED poem; thanks!

[Molly Arden]

"Slant" is a crucial word in Emily Dickinson's poetic vocabulary.