Poem A Day

There is a flower that Bees prefer

by Emily Dickinson

There is a flower that Bees prefer --

And Butterflies -- desire --

To gain the Purple Democrat

The Humming Bird -- aspire --

And Whatsoever Insect pass --

A Honey bear away

Proportioned to his several dearth

And her -- capacity --

Her face be rounder than the Moon

And ruddier than the Gown

Or Orchis in the Pasture --

Or Rhododendron -- worn --

She doth not wait for June --

Before the World be Green --

Her sturdy little Countenance

Against the Wind -- be seen --

Contending with the Grass --

Near Kinsman to Herself --

For Privilege of Sod and Sun --

Sweet Litigants for Life --

And when the Hills be full --

And newer fashions blow --

Doth not retract a single spice

For pang of jealousy --

Her Public -- be the Noon --

Her Providence -- the Sun --

Her Progress -- by the Bee -- proclaimed --

In sovereign -- Swerveless Tune --

The Bravest -- of the Host --

Surrendering -- the last --

Nor even of Defeat -- aware --

What cancelled by the Frost --

Text and source

Rights
Public domain
Source
View original source

Poem A Day

One poem today. Another tomorrow.

Save this poem to your personal anthology and build a reading streak with a new classic each day.