Pure Applesauce

With the passing of Justice Antonin Scalia, we thought we would share a poem by Emmett Lee Dickinson's which influenced Scalia.

Scalia attended the Emmett Lee Dickinson School for Boys in Queens, NY, and he was a great fan of America's greatest poet.  He often used the language of Dickinson -- including "pure applesauce," "jiggery pokery," and more -- in many of his rulings.

In the mid-1800s, Emmett Lee Dickinson served one term in congress.  At that time, President Lincoln tried to push through the Reasonable Care Act (also known as “Lincoln-care”) for reasonably priced health care for American citizens.  However, the legislation was found to be unconstitutional by the Supreme Court led by Chief Justice Roger B. Taney.

Pictured at the right: Chief Justice Roger B. Taney, who struck down the Reasonable Care Act (known as "Lincoln-Care")

Emmett Lee Dickinson was furious with this decision, and he wrote his now classic poem, "'Healthcare' -- is what they shall not reach," about the Chief Justice.  Dickinson's poem is below on the left.  His poem then inspired third cousin Emily to write "'Heaven' -- is what I cannot reach!" (below on the right).

By Emmett Lee Dickinson:

"Healthcare" – is what they shall not reach!
Applesauce if you ask Me –
Provide it?  That's hopeless – jigger-pokery –
That – "Heathcare" is – to Me!

The Concept, of the RCA –
Across the entire Land?
Up on the Hill – the House inside –
Where – Paradox – is found!

The teasing somersaults – Afternoons –
Incredulous – interpretations –
Enamored – of the Conjurer-in-Chief –
I spurn him – Everyday!

By Emily Dickinson:

"Heaven" – is what I cannot reach!
The Apple on the Tree –
Provided it do hopeless – hang –
That – "Heaven" is – to Me!

The Color, on the Cruising Cloud –
The interdicted Land –
Behind the Hill – the House behind –
There – Paradise – is found!

Her teasing Purples – Afternoons –
The credulous – decoy –
Enamored – of the Conjurer –
That spurned us – Yesterday!