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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


TO EMILY DICKINSON by HAROLD HART CRANE

Poem Explanation Poet Analysis

First Line: YOU WHO DESIRE SO MUCH - IN VAIN TO ASK
Subject(s): DICKINSON, EMILY (1830-1886);

You who desired so much--in vain to ask--
Yet fed you hunger like an endless task,
Dared dignify the labor, bless the quest--
Achieved that stillness ultimately best,

Being, of all, least sought for: Emily, hear!
O sweet, dead Silencer, most suddenly clear
When singing that Eternity possessed
And plundered momently in every breast;

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The harvest you descried and understand
Needs more than wit to gather, love to bind.
Some reconcilement of remotest mind--

Leaves Ormus rubyless, and Ophir chill.
Else tears heap all within one clay-cold hill.



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