From our 19th century historian Eudora Dickinson:
In a letter to Thomas Wentworth Higginson, Emily Dickinson wrote, “If I read a book and it makes my whole body so cold no fire can warm me I know that is poetry. If I feel physically as if the top of my head were taken off, I know that is poetry. These are the only way I know it. Is there any other way?”
Dickinson knew of the Dutch concept knows as dâhliefūsöhn, or “dailyfussin” in English (pronounced “daily-fussin”), a term used to describe the discussions and debates among poets.
In medieval times, poets, versifiers, and rhymesters would gather each day in taverns and inns across Europe to share their odes, songs, and sonnets, raise more than a pint or two or ale, and discuss the concepts of life, death, love, truth, and poetry. Because the poets would often come to blows in these lively summits and/or because the discords, disputes and dissents might lead those in attendance to feel “as if the top of my head were taken off,” these clashes and encounters became known as dâhliefūsöhn, or “daily-fussin” in English.
Emmett Lee Dickinson wrote about the concept of dâhliefūsöhn in his now-classic poem "To rile like Thunder to the close" (below on the left). His poem inspired third-cousin Emily to pen her poem "To pile like Thunder to its close" (below on the right).
In a letter to Thomas Wentworth Higginson, Emily Dickinson wrote, “If I read a book and it makes my whole body so cold no fire can warm me I know that is poetry. If I feel physically as if the top of my head were taken off, I know that is poetry. These are the only way I know it. Is there any other way?”
Dickinson knew of the Dutch concept knows as dâhliefūsöhn, or “dailyfussin” in English (pronounced “daily-fussin”), a term used to describe the discussions and debates among poets.
In medieval times, poets, versifiers, and rhymesters would gather each day in taverns and inns across Europe to share their odes, songs, and sonnets, raise more than a pint or two or ale, and discuss the concepts of life, death, love, truth, and poetry. Because the poets would often come to blows in these lively summits and/or because the discords, disputes and dissents might lead those in attendance to feel “as if the top of my head were taken off,” these clashes and encounters became known as dâhliefūsöhn, or “daily-fussin” in English.
Emmett Lee Dickinson wrote about the concept of dâhliefūsöhn in his now-classic poem "To rile like Thunder to the close" (below on the left). His poem inspired third-cousin Emily to pen her poem "To pile like Thunder to its close" (below on the right).
| By Emmett Lee Dickinson: To rile like Thunder to the close Then grumble grand as sin While Everything is fiercely said This – is Dailyfussin On Love – the daily combats come – We both and neither prove – We order up more pints to consume – For None agree on Truth – | By Emily Dickinson: To pile like Thunder to its close Then crumble grand away While Everything created hid This – would be Poetry – Or Love – the two coeval come – We both and neither prove – Experience either and consume – For None see God and live – |
Emmett Lee Dickinson (Emily Dickinson’s third cousin, twice removed – at her request), introduced the concept of dâhliefūsöhn to his third cousin, and the two would often squabble and fuss about complex or awkward rhythms, problematic rhymes, unconventional punctuation, and of course, provocative or unconventional themes.
Later Emmett Lee Dickinson conceived the idea of hosting a commune for poets in the hills of western Pennsylvania near his home in Washerst, and he built an estate which he named “Dailyfussin” where as many as fifty to sixty apprentice poets would gather to study under the poet.
The magnificent building and grounds of Dailyfussin – along with Dickinson’s concept of a progressive educational institution for aspiring poets – later inspired Frank Lloyd Wright to construct his own estate which he named Taliesin.
In 1913, Dailyfussin was recognized as a National Historic Landmark (NHL) District by the National Park Service.
Pictured below: Emmett Lee Dickinson's estate and commune for poets, Dailyfussin:
Later Emmett Lee Dickinson conceived the idea of hosting a commune for poets in the hills of western Pennsylvania near his home in Washerst, and he built an estate which he named “Dailyfussin” where as many as fifty to sixty apprentice poets would gather to study under the poet.
The magnificent building and grounds of Dailyfussin – along with Dickinson’s concept of a progressive educational institution for aspiring poets – later inspired Frank Lloyd Wright to construct his own estate which he named Taliesin.
In 1913, Dailyfussin was recognized as a National Historic Landmark (NHL) District by the National Park Service.
Pictured below: Emmett Lee Dickinson's estate and commune for poets, Dailyfussin:
For more information on Emmett Lee Dickinson's influence on Frank Lloyd Wright (and too see pictures of Wright's masterpieces Standingwater, the Robbie House, and Tallyho East) click HERE.
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