Arcturus

by Emily Dickinson

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."





Last updated June 21, 2015