Emily Dickinson - If you were coming in the fall (winter)

I have a friend, a close friend, and she's going away. We've talked about our friendship for awhile and she wants to move on. After a long time thinking about it, I think its good. And perhaps in time, in another place, we shall carry on our conversation again. If you are reading this - Carolyn - this is for you. Its by Emily Dickinson.

If you were coming in the fall,
I'd brush the summer by
With half a smile and half a spurn,
As housewives do a fly.

If I could see you in a year,
I'd wind the months in balls,
And put them each in separate drawers,
Until their time befalls.

If only centuries delayed,
I'd count them on my hand,
Subtracting till my fingers dropped
Into Van Diemen's land.

If certain, when this life was out,
That yours and mine should be,
I'd toss it yonder like a rind,
And taste eternity.

But now, all ignorant of the length
Of time's uncertain wing,
It goads me, like the goblin bee,
That will not state its sting.

Emily Dickinson

Emily Dickinson is one of my favourite poets. However, she's not someone I would probably bring along for a long journey.

She had a fascination with death - and dwelled on it a fair bit. One of her editors ran out of her house after spending sometime with her - he found her morbid.

However, she does have a bright side. A little glimmer through the dark clouds.Here's one of her "positive" poems.

I shall not live in vain;
If I can ease one life the aching,
Or cool one pain,
Or help one fainting robin
Unto his nest again,
I shall not live in vain.

Emily Dickinson