Millicent Todd Bingham’s observation on Dickinson’s regard for nature in her book “Ancestors’ Brocades, The Literary Debut of Emily Dickinson”: “Snakes and flies, grass and stones, as well as wind and rain and the rising of the moon over the Pelham hills, all were of the essence of miracle.”
In regard to that quote, I am addressing those specific seven subjects in Dickinson’s poetry: snakes, flies, grass, stones, wind, rain, and the moon.
Today’s focus: Moon
My favorite of Dickinson’s “moon” poems is “The moon was but a chin of gold.” I posted that the other day when I discussed the poet’s use of the word “stone” (one version of the poem used the word “stone in line 6, “Her Cheek – a Beryl stone” vs. “Her Cheek – a Beryl hewn”).
In regard to that quote, I am addressing those specific seven subjects in Dickinson’s poetry: snakes, flies, grass, stones, wind, rain, and the moon.
Today’s focus: Moon
My favorite of Dickinson’s “moon” poems is “The moon was but a chin of gold.” I posted that the other day when I discussed the poet’s use of the word “stone” (one version of the poem used the word “stone in line 6, “Her Cheek – a Beryl stone” vs. “Her Cheek – a Beryl hewn”).
The are other wonderful “moon” poems, but there is one fantastic image in “I watched the moon around the house” that I would like to share – and that is found in the fourth stanza, following these lines in the third stanza, “for not a Foot—nor Hand— / Nor Formula—had she":
Tell me that image of a guillotined head sustained in the sky isn’t amazeballs (a synonym for “spectacular” offered up by Google – in addition to “striking,” “breathtaking,” “amazing,” “glorious,” and others).
I also love that final stanza – of seeing the moon during the day of blue sky; lines, which I understand, Dickinson added to the poem at a later date.
I also love that final stanza – of seeing the moon during the day of blue sky; lines, which I understand, Dickinson added to the poem at a later date.
The complete poem is below:
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