An everywhere of silver,

For news that they be saved—The nearer they departed UsThe nearer they, restored,Shall stand to Our Right Hand—Most precious and the Dead—Next preciousThose that rose to go—Then thought of Us, and stayed.

I winnowed what would fadeFrom what would last till Heads like mineShould be a-dreaming laid.I put the latter in a Barn—The former, blew away.I went one winter morningAnd lo – my priceless HayWas not upon the ‘Scaffold’—Was not upon the ‘Beam’—And from a thriving Farmer—A Cynic, I became.Whether a Thief did it—Whether it was the…

Difference—had begun—Many a bitterness—had been—But that old sort—was done—Or—if it sometime—showed—as ’twill—Upon the Downiest—Morn—Such bliss—had I—for all the years—‘Twould give an Easier—pain—I’d so much joy—I told it—Red—Upon my simple Cheek—I felt it publish—in my Eye—‘Twas needless—any speak—I walked—as wings—my body bore—The feet—I former used—Unnecessary—now to me—As boots—would be—to Birds—I put my pleasure all abroad—I dealth…

Two—be finished using—Well enough for Schools—But for Minor Choosing—Life—just—or Death—Or the Everlasting—More—would be too vastFor the Soul’s Comprising—

Though in another tree—She looks down just as oftenAnd just as tenderlyAs when her little mortal nestWith cunning care she wove—If either of her ‘sparrows fall,’She ‘notices,’ above.

Just the place I stood—At a Window facing West—Roughest Air—was good—Not a Sleet could bite me—Not a frost could cool—Hope it was that kept me warm—Not Merino shawl—When I feared—I recollectJust the Day it was—Worlds were lying out to Sun—Yet how Nature froze—Icicles upon my soulPrickled Blue and Cool—Bird went praising everywhere—Only Me—was still—And the…