"Arcturus" is his other name

70

"Arcturus" is his other name—
I'd rather call him "Star."
It's very mean of Science
To go and interfere!

I slew a worm the other day—
A "Savant" passing by
Murmured "Resurgam"—"Centipede"!
"Oh Lord—how frail are we"!

I pull a flower from the woods—
A monster with a glass
Computes the stamens in a breath—
And has her in a "class"!

Whereas I took the Butterfly
Aforetime in my hat—
He sits erect in "Cabinets"—
The Clover bells forgot.

What once was "Heaven"
Is "Zenith" now—
Where I proposed to go
When Time's brief masquerade was done
Is mapped and charted too.

What if the poles should frisk about
And stand upon their heads!
I hope I'm ready for "the worst"—
Whatever prank betides!

Perhaps the "Kingdom of Heaven's" changed—
I hope the "Children" there Won't be "new fashioned" when I come—
And laugh at me—and stare—

I hope the Father in the skies
Will lift his little girl—
Old fashioned—naught—everything—
Over the stile of "Pearl."

Emily Dickinson :
http://www.poemhunter.com/
  • Back to the poem's page
    http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/arcturus-is-his-other-name/
  • Reader comments on the poem "Arcturus" is his other name
    http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/arcturus-is-his-other-name/comments.asp
  • More information about the poet Emily Dickinson
    http://www.poemhunter.com/emily-dickinson/biography/