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Lyric Poem · Nature

I watched the Moon around the House

by Emily Dickinson

I watched the Moon around the House

Until upon a Pane —

She stopped — a Traveller's privilege — for Rest —

And there upon

I gazed — as at a stranger —

The Lady in the Town

Doth think no incivility

To lift her Glass — upon —

But never Stranger justified

The Curiosity

Like Mine — for not a Foot — nor Hand —

Nor Formula — had she —

But like a Head — a Guillotine

Slid carelessly away —

Did independent, Amber —

Sustain her in the sky —

Or like a Stemless Flower —

Upheld in rolling Air

By finer Gravitations —

Than bind Philosopher —

No Hunger — had she — nor an Inn —

Her Toilette — to suffice —

Nor Avocation — nor Concern

For little Mysteries

As harass us — like Life — and Death —

And Afterwards — or Nay —

But seemed engrossed to Absolute —

With shining — and the Sky —

The privilege to scrutinize

Was scarce upon my Eyes

When, with a Silver practise —

She vaulted out of Gaze —

And next — I met her on a Cloud —

Myself too far below

To follow her superior Road —

Or its advantage — Blue —

This poem is in the public domain.

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