The Emmett Lee Dickinson Museum - PLOG: Poetry Blog

You Are What You Vote

5/25/2019

From our political correspondent Dorothy Dawe:

There was a Ku Klux Klan rally yesterday in Dayton, Ohio. Ohio went Trump in the 2016 presidential election.

A white nationalist who unsuccessfully ran for a Congressional seat in Tennessee under the slogan "Make America White Again" is holding an event on the University of Tennessee-Knoxville's campus this week. Tennessee went Trump in the 2016 presidential election.

Back in 2016, the Klan held a victory parade in North Carolina to celebrate the election of Donald Trump. North Carolina went Trump in 2016.

The old adage "You are what you eat" is no where near as true as "You are what you vote."

The rise in hate crimes since the election of Donald Trump -- and the rise of emboldened Klansmen and neo-Nazis across the county -- calls to mind Emmett Lee Dickinson's "The Klan selects its own Society" (below on the left). Dickinson's poem inspired third cousin Emily to pen her poem "The Soul selects her own Society" (below on the right).

By Emmett Lee Dickinson:

The Klan selects its own Society –
Then – shuts the Door –
To their “divine” Majority –
They take no more –

Unmoved – they note their Spurious –
causes –
To their low base –
Unmoved – their Emperor keeps tweeting
Lies just in Case –

Dishonor – for our ample nation –
And Pain –
They -- chose the Value of distraction –
For Gain –

By Emily Dickinson:

The Soul selects her own Society –
Then – shuts the Door –
To her divine Majority –
Present no more –

Unmoved – she notes the Chariots –
pausing –
At her low Gate --
Unmoved — an Emperor be kneeling
Upon her Mat --

I've known her – from an ample nation –
Choose One –
Then – close the Valves of her attention –
Like Stone –

The Write Stuff

4/19/2019

From our master grammarian & resident logophile, Angstrom Dickinson:

On a recent trip to Chicago, I stopped by the American Writers Museum, "celebrating American writers and exploring their influence on our history, our identity, our culture, and our daily lives."

From the museum's website:

The American Writers Museum strives to:

Educate the public about American writers – past and present
Engage visitors to the Museum in exploring the many exciting worlds created by the spoken and written word
Enrich and deepen appreciation for good writing in all its forms
Motivate visitors to discover, or rediscover, a love of reading and writing
Inspire the young writers of tomorrow

The exhibits are wonderful, and they include -- as their website notes -- interactive displays from "typewriters to touchscreens."

Below: A touchscreen display in the lobby allows visitors to learn about writers from each of the fifty United States. The page on Massachusetts includes Emily Dickinson, the Belle of Amherst; the page on Pennsylvania shows Emmett Lee Dickinson, the Bore of Washerst.

Left: A timeline runs above the main exhibit dedicated to the most influential American writers. Not surprisingly, the lineage highlights the birth of Emmett Lee Dickinson in 1803.

Below: Emmett Lee Dickinson is included in the display of America's most influential writers. He is line with some of his best friends -- Edgar Allan Poe, Abraham Lincoln, and Henry David Thoreau.

Click the images to enlarge.

Right: The photograph of Frederick Douglass at the American Writers Museum includes a year of birth -- but no date listed as a year of death. Many point to this to explain Donald Trump's enigmatic comments in 2017, "Frederick Douglass is an example of somebody who’s done an amazing job and is getting recognized more and more."

Below left and right: The display on Emily Dickinson.

Below left (and above right): Emily Dickinson's poem "'Hope' is the thing with feathers" is included on the display for Emily Dickinson. Below right: Emily Dickinson was inspired to write her poem after reading her third cousin Emmett Lee Dickinson's poem "'Hype' is the thing with bullfeathers."

By Emily Dickinson:

"Hope" is the thing with feathers –
That perches in the soul –
And sings the tune without the words –
And never stops – at all –

And sweetest – in the Gale – is heard –
And sore must be the storm –
That could abash the little Bird
That kept so many warm –

I've heard it in the chillest land –
And on the strangest Sea –
Yet, never, in Extremity,
It asked a crumb – of Me.

By Emmett Lee Dickinson:

“Hype” is the thing with bullfeathers –
It preaches to enthrall –
It stretches Truth with guileful words –
And doesn’t care – at all –

Though sweeter – in the Sale – than sweetest –
More real – than genuine –
It carries no precaution of
Consequence– from Saccharine.

New – Improved – Superlative –
It’s magnified and grand –
It charms consumers – senseless –
With sleight of underhand.

Right: An interactive display allows visitors to submit their favorite books -- and I was tickled pink to discover that The Complete Poems of Emmett Lee Dickinson was listed as the top pick!

Below: The AWM's gift shop included finger puppets of famous American writers. Emmett Lee Dickinson is at the center, left of the photo -- circled in red.

Bye, Bye, Birdie

4/8/2019

From our current affairs editor, Lemuel Stuart III:

As evidenced above, windmill cancer survivor George Conway can be tough on Trump, the Swamp King; however, he should give credit where credit is due: If it were not for Donald Trump, the dangers of windmills and windmill cancer would not be at the center of national attention.

Below: Various tweets from Twitter highlighting the new focus on windmill cancer that has grabbed the nation's attention -- thanks to Donald Trump!

Below: Cancer is not the only danger associated with windmills:

The word "windmill" literally comes from two Dutch words for "bird" and "killer":

windmill (n.)
c. 1300, from wind + mill, from German windmühle, from Dutch wyntmorten, or wynt (“bird”) + morten (“killer”)

In the 1500s and 1600s, the Netherlands were being overwhelmed by birds, including the bar-headed goose, the lesser white-fronted goose, the tundra bean goose, the common shelduck, and the ferruginous pochard. As a result, Dutch inventor Henk-jan Schoonbeek invented the "wyntmorten," or "bird killer" -- known today as the windmill.

Pictured at the right: Dutch inventor Henk-jan Schoonbeek invented the "wyntmorten," or "bird killer"

Poet Emmett Lee Dickinson (Emily Dickinson's third cousin, twice removed -- at her request) knew of the power of the windmill in controlling the bird population, and he wrote about it in his poem "How ruthless are the windmills" (below on the left). Dickinson's poem inspired third cousin Emily to pen her poem "How ruthless are the gentle" (below on the right).

By Emmett Lee Dickinson:

How ruthless are the windmills –
How cruel are their kind –
Odd how their contacts with the Birds
Do brutalize the Wind –

By Emily Dickinson:

How ruthless are the gentle –
How cruel are the kind –
God broke his contract to his Lamb
To qualify the Wind –

The Real Deal

4/1/2019

From our political correspondent, Dorothy Dawe:

Happy National Poetry Month!

Originally, we were to be in Washington, DC, today; however, due to a health issue of one of our travellers, we have postponed our trip until June 2019, the International Month of the Haiku. Info about the re-scheduling of our trip to DC is HERE.

While in DC we were going to pass out copies of Great American Poems -- REPOEMED and When They Go Low, We Go Haiku. Also, we were going to present to representatives of Congress the details of our proposed Poetic New Deal for America.

Since we can't be in DC in person, we figured that we could still present our Poetic New Deal here -- so without further ado, a drum roll please.

Here are the main points of our Poetic New Deal for America:

Guaranteeing “rhyme and reason” over “crime and treason” to all people of the United States, the Dickinson Organization of Poetry Enthusiasts offers a Poetic New Deal for America...

* Providing all people of the United States with – (i) high-quality poetry; (ii) affordable, acceptable and abundant poetry books; (iii) metaphorical security and satisfaction; and (iv) access to different, dissimilar, and diverse books of poetry.

* Providing poetic resources, training, and education to all people of the United States.

* Meeting 100 percent of the demand for poetry in the United States through book stores, online book sales, poetry conferences, and poetry slams.

* Providing a complete infrastructure of elements of poetry in the United States, including rhythm, rhyme, imagery, and figurative devices.

* Providing a complete foundation of forms of poetry to all people of the United States, including odes, sonnets, ballads, epic poems, haiku, limericks, and free verse poems.

* Spurring massive creation and production of poetry in the United States including diverse types of poetry, parody, rhapsody and verse.

* Working collaboratively with poets, bards, versifiers, lyricists, and rhymsters in the United States to grow and sustain a love for poetry across the country.

Why the need for a Poetic New Deal?

The Great Dismal Trump Swamp is now swampier than the swampiest swamp. The criminals are in charge, and the filthy rich are getting filthier. From Obama to Trump we have gone from class to crass, from civility to hostility, and integrity to vulgarity. It is time for Poetic Justice.

Join us in supporting this Poetic New Deal.

Write or read a poem today.

The Gaffe of Mexico

3/31/2019

From our current affairs editor, Lemuel Stuart III:

I came across this article today -- 15 National Geography Bee Questions Only Geniuses Will Get Right (HERE) – and I had to laugh because I realized that no Fox News talking head, no Trump family member, and no MAGAt would do well on this quiz. How did I reach this conclusion? It was easy:

Of course, Emmett Lee Dickinson (Emily Dickinson’s third cousin, twice removed – at her request) was always the first to admit that he was ill-informed when it came to geography – so the Fox News blunder called to mind Dickinson’s “Volcanoes be in Mexico” (below on the left). Dickinson’s poem inspired third cousin Emily to pen her poem “Volcanoes be in Sicily” (below on the right).

By Emmett Lee Dickinson:

Volcanoes be in Mexico
And South Mexico
I judge from my Geography –
Volcanoes everywhere
A Lava step at any time
As I’m inclined to rhyme –
Accuracy I abdicate
Erroneous I roam

By Emily Dickinson:

Volcanoes be in Sicily
And South America
I judge from my Geography --
Volcanos nearer here
A Lava step at any time
Am I inclined to climb --
A Crater I may contemplate
Vesuvius at Home.

Below: Rupert Murdoch issued an apology today for the gaffe of Mexico on Fox News yesterday:

What The H?

3/29/2019

From our current affairs editor, Lemuel Stuart III:

A couple of days ago, I wrote about the American Heart Association's poll for the "Man with the Smallest Heart" and the "Woman with the Smallest Heart" (HERE).

In that post, I wrote about Emmett Lee Dickinson's poem "For smallest Woman's Heart we know," which inspired Emily Dickinson to write, "For largest Woman's Heart I knew."

However, in gathering information about those two poems, I came across this on Wikisource:

Huh? For largest Woman's HEARTH? Isn't that supposed to be HEART?

Of course the first place I checked to investigate this was the Emily Dickinson digital archive, and I found this:

I would say that settles the debate since "Heart" is in Emily Dickinson's own handwriting.

I also came across this analysis of Dickinson's poem on The Prowling Bee -- HERE.. On that post, blogger Susan Kornfeld was asked about the very same peksy "H," and she also checked the Dickinson archive to confirm "heart" vs. "hearth."

So what's up with that "h"? Or should I say, "What the H?"

This just goes to show you the importance of editing -- for just a single letter can make all the difference in the world. To that point, check out these Dickinson's first lines which are altered by the addition or omission of just a single letter:

There’s a certain slant of flight

Because I could now stop for death

Wild Knights! Wild Knights!

I heard a fly buzz – when it died

Hope is the thing with fathers

This certainly proves the point that a single letter can make all the difference in the world. Or should I say that a single letter can make all the difference in the word. What the L? Am I right?

Poetic Justice (Coming Soon?)

3/29/2019

BREAKING NEWS: We were all set to hit the halls of Congress on April 1 – the start of National Poetry Month – to introduce a Poetic New Deal to “the powers that be,” however, we find that due to a fellow-travelers health issue, we must postpone our trip.

We understand (unlike the GOP) that one’s healthcare is important – and yes, we will admit that one’s health is more important than poetry (and there are few things more important than poetry).

We hope to reschedule our trip for June 2019, the International Month of the Haiku.

Just because we have to postpone our trip, though, does not mean that you, gentle reader, have to postpone your introduction to the Poetic New Deal. No, you can peruse our site – including an article on “The Top Hundred Most Important Events From the World of Poetry” (HERE), a feature on the Poetry Hall of Fame (HERE), our ever-expanding plog (poetry blog) (HERE), and so much more!

Plus, if you need a laugh to lift your spirits as we slog through this national nightmare that is “Great Dismal Trump Swamp,” be sure to order a copy today of When They Go Low, We Go Haiku (information is HERE). A recent review on Amazon.com stated, “Great observations, clever and a joy the read.” Other reviews are HERE.

Yes, we must postpone our trip, but we are fortunate to have decent healthcare – and the GOP and Trump cannot take away from us what we have. We feel sorry, though, for the millions of Americans who may be forced to visit TrumpDon’tCare Clinics across the county as the Swamp King and the GOP conspire to deprive citizens of healthcare (as the dark-money billionaires who own the GOP click their heels in delight).

Fret not, though. We will continue on your behalf, gentle reader, to develop a Poetic New Deal for America; we will visit Congress – hopefully in June; and the head of the Trump Crime Syndicate (who has probably never read a poem in his life) will realize the full impact of poetic justice in the not-too-distant future.

Isn't That Special

3/28/2019

From our current affairs editor, Lemuel Stuart III:

In a recent poll conducted by the American Heart Association, Americans overwhelming picked Donald Trump as the “Man with the Smallest Heart.”

The choice was not so easy, though, when it came to the women. When asked “Which woman in America has the smallest heart,” six women ended up in a dead heat – far ahead of any other nominations (were there even any other nominations?).

Who are the six contenders for the title “Woman with the Smallest Heart”? In no particular order, the candidates are the following:

Kellyanne Conway

Sarah Huckabee Sanders

Melania Trump

Ivanka Trump

Kirstjen Nielsen

Betsy "Cruella" DeVos

When Betsy "Cruella" DeVos heard that the vote was tied, she vowed to take the title -- by giving herself a raise and by defunding the Special Olympics. Then, when asked about her decision, DeVos said flatly, "Who cares? If I have the ability to be hateful, manipulative and deceitful, I'm going to take full advantage."

Word has it that last minute votes just pushed her over the top -- and DeVos will win a plaque engraved with Emmett Lee Dickinson's poem "For smallest Woman’s Heart we know" (below on the left). Dickinson's poem inspired third cousin Emily to pen her poem "For largest Woman's Heart I knew" (below on the right). DeVos will NOT receive a copy of Emily's poem.

By Emmett Lee Dickinson:

For smallest Woman’s Heart we know –
’Tis little we can do –
Because the smallest Woman’s Heart
Can hold no mercy – true –
And so, destructive on her own,
A dissembler, through and through.

By Emily Dickinson:

For largest Woman's Heart I knew –
'Tis little I can do –
And yet the largest Woman's Heart
Could hold an Arrow – too –
And so, instructed by my own,
I tenderer, turn Me to.

Barr Examination

3/26/2019

From our political correspondent, Dorothy Dawe:

A liar. Collusion to commit a crime. A report that won't be made public.

The Jussie Smollett case? No. Donald Trump.

So Mueller's dropped off his report to the DOJ. William Barr -- a Trump accessory who claims a president is above the law -- has summarized the report (below left): Nyet collusion. No release of the report. Talk about transparency.

Trump was at the Capitol today crowing like an "exonerated" jail bird (below right).

This is America? A president can't be indicted? The criminals are now handed the evidence -- and they determine what we will and will not see? Comrade McConnell won't allow a Senate vote?

This -- sadly -- is America.

The criminals are in charge, and they have been handed the evidence. We may NEVER know the truth.

The whole sordid affair calls to mind Emmett Lee Dickinson's poem, "Because they could not tell the Truth" (below on the left). Dickinson's poem inspired third cousin Emily to pen her poem "Because I could not stop for Death" (below on the right).

By Emmett Lee Dickinson:

Because they could not tell the Truth –
The truth was never told –
The Cover Up by just Themselves –
Was Fake News they controlled.

He ranted on – He knew just hate,
He should be put away
His labor is his ballyhoo,
His Incivility –

He passed it Off, as Orphan care
It had – a rosy ring –
He promised Health Care from Day One –
He promised Everything –

Or rather – He conned Us –
The News brought shivering and chill –
For Angrier, we’ve Grown –
Our Patience – has grown Thin –

We voted in a House that seemed
A Swelling from the Ground –
The Senate scarcely visible –
Complicit – with this Clown –

For now – feels centuries – and yet
’Tis shorter till the Day
We all surmise the Final Count
That is Twenty-Twenty –

By Emily Dickinson:

Because I could not stop for Death –
He kindly stopped for me –
The Carriage held but just Ourselves –
And Immortality.

We slowly drove – He knew no haste,
And I had put away
My labor and my leisure too,
For His Civility –

We passed the School, where Children strove
At recess – in the ring –
We passed the Fields of Gazing Grain –
We passed the Setting Sun –

Or rather – He passed Us –
The Dews drew quivering and chill –
For only Gossamer, my Gown –
My Tippet – only Tulle –

We paused before a House that seemed
A Swelling of the Ground –
The Roof was scarcely visible –
The Cornice – in the Ground –

Since then – 'tis centuries – and yet
Feels shorter than the Day
I first surmised the Horses' Heads
Were toward Eternity –

Thirst Editions

3/23/2019

From our 19th century historian, Eudora Dickinson:

I saw this on Twitter today:

Of course Mr. Atkinson's chart might make one wonder what libations would top a similar list for poets?

Well, in the case of the Dickinsons, we know exactly what would rank as their "thirst editions."

For Emily Dickinson -- and her sister Lavinia -- the choice would be a keg of beer. There was nothing the sisters loved more than frat parties and keggers at Amherst college.

For Emmett Lee Dickinson, Emily's third cousin, twice removed -- at her request, the choice would be a Margarita, the lime libation he invented! Information about Dickinson & his delicious concoction is HERE.

Of course, Emmett Lee Dickinson knew of his third cousin Emily's fondness for keggers at Amherst College, and he immortalized her addiction to frat parties in his now-classic poem, "As School Bells end the summer" (below on the left). His poem inspired Emily to pen her poem "As Sleigh Bells seem in summer" (below on the right).

By Emmett Lee Dickinson:

As School Bells end the summer
And Boys, at Amherst show –
So friendly – so flirtatious
The individuals go
Replete with strong libations –
A Party does ensue –
She’s down there in an instant
Till Dawn the Ingénue.

By Emily Dickinson:

As Sleigh Bells seem in summer
Or Bees, at Christmas show –
So fairy – so fictitious
The individuals do
Repealed from observation –
A Party that we knew –
More distant in an instant
Than Dawn in Timbuctoo.

Pictured at the right: In 1849, Emily Dickinson wrote to her cousins Frances and Louisa Norcross. In her letter, Dickinson stated the following:

"There is to be a party at the Sigma Alpha Epsilon house tomorrow night. They say that home is where the heart is ~ I think it is where the Sigma house is, and the adjacent buildings.

Vinnie and I will be happy amid this delightful kegger, and well we will drink our icy beers ~ and the world there will be so beautiful, and things so sweet and fair, that my heart will be soothed and comforted."