December 1, 2023

A Certain Slant of Light

Working outside just now I noticed how the winter sun is different somehow. It reminded me a lot of the titular Emily Dickinson poem I read several winters ago which stuck. The analysis is interesting. Just the diffusion of light can stir us.

There's a certain Slant of light,

Winter Afternoons –

That oppresses, like the Heft

Of Cathedral Tunes –

Heavenly Hurt, it gives us –

We can find no scar,

But internal difference,

Where the Meanings, are –

None may teach it – Any –

'Tis the Seal Despair –

An imperial affliction

Sent us of the Air –

When it comes, the Landscape listens –

Shadows – hold their breath –

When it goes, 'tis like the Distance

On the look of Death –