Well, 2021 sure ended on a crappy note with news of the death of Betty White! Interestingly enough, though, this was a case where "history repeats itself," because 150 years ago, as 1871 turned to 1872, Betty White's great grandmother, Gilbertha "Bertie" White, a world-renowned actress on the stage, died on New Year's Eve just before her 100th birthday! Of course, the world mourned the loss of one of its favorite stars, and Emmett Lee Dickinson (Emily Dickinson's third cousin, twice removed --at her request), was struck with grief.
| How did Dickinson handle his anguish? By turning to poetry, of course, and he wrote his now classic ode to Bertie White, "Her journey had Advance," below on the left. Dickinson's poem inspired third cousin Emily to pen her poem, "Our journey had Advanced," below on the right. Now, 150 years later, Eternity has gained yet another "White star" -- Betty White! Happy New Year, everyone -- or Crappy New Year? Pictured at the right: Gilbertha "Bertie" White, the great grandmother of Betty White. Bertie White passed away on New Year's Eve, December 31, 1871, just shy of her 100th birthday. |  |
| By Emily Dickinson: Our journey had advanced – Our feet were almost come To that odd Fork in Being's Road – Eternity – by Term – Our pace took sudden awe – Our feet – reluctant – led – Before – were Cities – but Between – The Forest of the Dead – Retreat – was out of Hope – Behind – a Sealed Route – Eternity's White Flag – Before – And God – at every Gate – | By Emily Dickinson: Our journey had advanced – Our feet were almost come To that odd Fork in Being's Road – Eternity – by Term – Our pace took sudden awe – Our feet – reluctant – led – Before – were Cities – but Between – The Forest of the Dead – Retreat – was out of Hope – Behind – a Sealed Route – Eternity's White Flag – Before – And God – at every Gate – |
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