Poem A Day

"Arcturus" is his other name

by Emily Dickinson

"Arcturus" is his other name --

I'd rather call him "Star."

It's very mean of Science

To go and interfere!

I slew a worm the other day --

A "Savant" passing by

Murmured "Resurgam" -- "Centipede"!

"Oh Lord -- how frail are we"!

I pull a flower from the woods --

A monster with a glass

Computes the stamens in a breath --

And has her in a "class"!

Whereas I took the Butterfly

Aforetime in my hat --

He sits erect in "Cabinets" --

The Clover bells forgot.

What once was "Heaven"

Is "Zenith" now --

Where I proposed to go

When Time's brief masquerade was done

Is mapped and charted too.

What if the poles should frisk about

And stand upon their heads!

I hope I'm ready for "the worst" --

Whatever prank betides!

Perhaps the "Kingdom of Heaven's" changed --

I hope the "Children" there Won't be "new fashioned" when I come --

And laugh at me -- and stare --

I hope the Father in the skies

Will lift his little girl --

Old fashioned -- naught -- everything --

Over the stile of "Pearl."

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Poem A Day

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