(1932 - / New York / United States)

poet Linda Pastan
#251 on top 500 poets
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Emily Dickinson

We think of hidden in a white dress
among the folded linens and sachets
of well-kept cupboards, or just out of sight
sending jellies and notes with no address
to all the wondering Amherst neighbors.
Eccentric as New England weather
the stiff wind of her mind, stinging or gentle,
blew two half imagined lovers off.
Yet legend won't explain the sheer sanity
of vision, the serious mischief
of language, the economy of pain.

Submitted: Monday, January 13, 2003


Read poems about / on: weather, pain, wind

Comments about this poem (Emily Dickinson by Linda Pastan )

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  • Mary Thornburg (6/11/2012 3:16:00 PM)

    The first line here leaves out a word; it should be We think of her hidden.... Lovely poem

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  • Jim Foulk (4/8/2007 2:02:00 PM)

    Linda you wrote a wonderful poem about my favorite poet, i think emily is one of the best, if not thee best poet ever. you did a great job on this one, a work of art.

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  • john tiong chunghoo (9/29/2006 12:10:00 AM)

    otherwise, what could she be living for?

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  • Dan Tharp (3/1/2006 1:04:00 PM)

    nice poem/tribute, Linda... I am a big fan of Emily.

    dan

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  • Gina Onyemaechi (2/6/2006 4:42:00 AM)

    I haven't read much of Emily Dickinson, but I like the little that I have read. A sterling tribute to her, I'd say. Delicious description. Regards.

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  • A. B. (2/3/2006 7:14:00 AM)

    Linda, this is a beautiful poem. Emily is one of my favourite poets and thanks for writing this poem.....

    Peace.

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  • Jerry Hughes (2/3/2006 1:03:00 AM)

    Linda, a wonderful poem about a wonderful poet. Thank you....

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  • Scarborough Gypsy (2/2/2006 8:13:00 PM)

    Another wondorous write. You are so descriptive. I loved it!

    Gyp's

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