There's a certain Slant of light
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There's a certain Slant of light,
Winter Afternoons--
that oppresses, like the Heft
Of Cathedral Tunes--
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Heavenly Hurt, it gives us--
We can find no scar,
But internal difference,
Where the Meanings are--
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None may teach it--Any--
'Tis the Seal Despair--
An imperial affliction
Sent us of the Air--
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When it comes, the Landscape listens--
Shadows--hold their breath--
When it goes, 'tis like the Distance
On the look of Death--
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##############Emily Dickinson
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This is, perhaps, not as well known as some of her other poems, and I found I had to read more than once--but, when I did, I liked it--JFC
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just out of curiosity-why are you compelled to share your poetry books with us-not that it changes the price of beans in china
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Anyone else displeased with the postings? JFC
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"beans in china" -- Many of us asked JFC to share some good poems by "Old Masters" with us from his large collection of poetry books. There is a lot we can learn from such poetry. JFC has been kind enough to oblige, and has made excellent choices. I, for one, would be terribly disappointed if JFC stopped posting such masterful poetry. -- Mel
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JFC...this is one of my favorites. Thanks for posting! -pen:)
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isn't Emily Dickinson wonderful! ? oooooh shadows hold their breath....I LOVE IT ! m.e. ( I for one am enjoying these postings alot.)
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JFC, I also enjoy your postings, as well as the comments you make on them and I know it takes a lot of effort on your part to dig out the right one each day and post it but I hope you keep posting. "Sadness"
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JFC-thanks for posting this. Emily is my favorite poet(ess). What a talent to infuse so much feeling with a frugal use of well chosen words.Jane
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why deny perfectly chosen ... real as can be from her viewpoint.
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...and talent subjective..irrelevant denial...observed within
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There's a certain light in winter, does the poem say?.. a yet unnamed elegance. It is a cold kind of death that does not comprehend anything, but by its touch of everything...what a greatness rendered all creation. Somehow we block out too many of the lessons of nature.

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..what is the price of beans in china
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priceless to the chinese
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relative to their like or dislike of such
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thanks, JFC. you've touched on one of my favorites, too. ms.