Subscribe: by Email | in Reader

Taking Off Emily Dickinson's Clothes -- Billy Collins

Guest poem sent in by Martin Alexander
(Poem #1139) Taking Off Emily Dickinson's Clothes
 First, her tippet made of tulle,
 easily lifted off her shoulders and laid
 on the back of a wooden chair.

 And her bonnet,
 the bow undone with a light forward pull.

 Then the long white dress, a more
 complicated matter with mother-of-pearl
 buttons down the back,
 so tiny and numerous that it takes forever
 before my hands can part the fabric,
 like a swimmer's dividing water,
 and slip inside.

 You will want to know
 that she was standing
 by an open window in an upstairs bedroom,
 motionless, a little wide-eyed,
 looking out at the orchard below,
 the white dress puddled at her feet
 on the wide-board, hardwood floor.

 The complexity of women's undergarments
 in nineteenth-century America
 is not to be waved off,
 and I proceeded like a polar explorer
 through clips, clasps, and moorings,
 catches, straps, and whalebone stays,
 sailing toward the iceberg of her nakedness.

 Later, I wrote in a notebook
 it was like riding a swan into the night,
 but, of course, I cannot tell you everything -
 the way she closed her eyes to the orchard,
 how her hair tumbled free of its pins,
 how there were sudden dashes
 whenever we spoke.

 What I can tell you is
 it was terribly quiet in Amherst
 that Sabbath afternoon,
 nothing but a carriage passing the house,
 a fly buzzing in a windowpane.

 So I could plainly hear her inhale
 when I undid the very top
 hook-and-eye fastener of her corset

 and I could hear her sigh when finally it was unloosed,
 the way some readers sigh when they realize
 that Hope has feathers,
 that reason is a plank,
 that life is a loaded gun
 that looks right at you with a yellow eye.
-- Billy Collins
Here's a poem I like. It's sensual without being sordid and seems to do some
dignified baring of Dickinson's heart without making her stand naked and
humiliated - as the title of the poem might lead one to expect. And of
course it's full of references to her work which are affectionate without
smirking. Collins' touch is so delicate here - in both senses.

Martin

99 comments: ( or Leave a comment )

Martin DeMello said...

I think Collins was alluding to the deeply personal nature of Dickinson's work
- IIRC she never intended for most (if any) of her poems to be published, and
one does get the feeling, when reading some of her work, that it exposes her to
an almost uncomfortable extent.

homes for sale costa rica said...

"Hi guys, I really enjoyed this information about The Wondering Minstrels, is very interesting, I would like get more updates about this"

Penis Enlargement said...

I am thoroughly convinced in this said post. I am currently searching for ways in which I could enhance my knowledge in this said topic you have posted here. It does help me a lot knowing that you have shared this information here freely. I love the way the people here interact and shared their opinions too. I would love to track your future posts pertaining to the said topic we are able to read.

Generic Cialis said...

Hi there,
really nice job,There are many people searching about that now they will find enough sources by your tips.
Also looking forward for more tips about that

Invertir en oro said...

Thanks for taking the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about information and love learning more on this.

Inversiones en petroleo said...

Good morning, I like to find information to help me grow as a person, thanks for sharing this valuable information, good job

Networking solutions said...

There are may person searching about that now they will find enough resources by your post,

Generic Viagra said...

hey buddy,this is one of the best posts that I’ve ever seen; you may include some more ideas in the same theme. I’m still waiting for some interesting thoughts from your side in your next post.

Generic Zyvox said...

Thank you for sharing to us.there are many person searching about that now they will find enough resources by your post.I would like to join your blog anyway so please continue sharing with us

careprost said...

Really great post, Thank you for sharing This knowledge.Excellently written article, if only all bloggers offered the same level of content as you, the internet would be a much better place. Please keep it up!

Seo Services India said...

There are may person searching about that now they will find enough resources by your post,

Invertir en franquicias said...

Hello, i would like to read more about this interesting topic, i think that this post is very good.

moen shower faucets parts said...

I am thoroughly convinced in this said post. I am currently searching for ways in which I could enhance my knowledge in this said topic you have posted here. It does help me a lot knowing that you have shared this information here freely. I love the way the people here interact and shared their opinions too. I would love to track your future posts pertaining to the said topic we are able to read.

acid reflux diet said...

Hey, perhaps this is a bit offf topic however in any case, I have been surfing about your blog and it looks actually neat. impassioned about your writing. I am creating a brand new blog and arduous-pressed to make it seem great, and supply wonderful articles. I've discovered a lot in your website and I sit up for additional updates and shall be back.

Drugs Online said...

Your work was amazing and I used to promote it on my blog. Thanks for share it keep it up.

Levothroid said...

Blogs are good for every one where we get lots of information for any topics nice job keep it up !!!Buy Escitalopram online

Internet Marketing said...

i truthfully enjoy your own writing kind, very remarkable,
don’t give up as well as keep writing due to the fact that it simply just worth to follow it.
looking forward to see a whole lot more of your current well written articles, enjoy your dayDominican Republic Real EstateDominican Republic

Generic Drugs said...

I always enjoy reading such posts which provide knowledge based information like this blog. Keep it up.

Buy Albuterol said...

Awesome blog. I enjoyed reading your articles. This is truly a great read for me. Levothroid I have bookmarked it and I am looking forward to reading new articles. Keep up the good work!

Generic Drugs Exporter said...

I have wanted to learn more about particular topics, but not many websites would help me out in informing me the way I expected. This left me with many question, but after reading your article, I got an answer to all my questions. You are too cool dude!!!

Avodart said...

Thank you for sharing to usThank you for sharing to us.Please one more post about that..

Rhinocort 200MDI said...

I really enjoy reding your posts as I learn a lot from them. I also broaden my thinking as far as what I can use and do with things

Rummy Card game said...

Nice post, keeps on man.

Anonymous said...

Hello really such a great post admin keep posting such a interesting posts thanks for sharing this blog.
Bra Brands In India

SEO Pakistan said...

Easily, the post is really the sweetest on this worthwhile topic. I fit in with your conclusions and will eagerly look forward to your approaching updates. Saying thanks will not just be sufficient, for the exceptional clarity in your writing. I will immediately grab your rss feed to stay privy of any updates.

Rummy card game said...

HI Nice Article , i appreciated your writing skills, keeps on posting.

Online Pharmacy said...

These articles are fantastic; the information you show us is interesting for everybody and is really good written. It’s just great!!

iPhone Developers said...

The information you show us is interesting for everybody and is really good written. It’s just great!!

Buy Amoxil 500mg said...

I think its a pretty good idea not that there aren't other sites out there that already do something similar but I think it might catch on here pretty well.

Order Vermox said...

This is nice post but you may include some more ideas in the same theme. I’m still waiting for some interesting thoughts from your side in your next post.

buy codeine online said...

I really love the way information is presented in your post. I have added you in my social bookmark…and i am waiting for your next post.

buy vicodin online said...

The positive comments and do well wishes are very motivational and greatly appreciated.

Buy Valtrex said...

Hey I appreciate the information bud. I always like hearing from someone who knows what their talking about. Buy Valtrex Keep doing your thing and success is the only thing in your feature...

bad credit forums said...

Thanks for the efforts you have put in writing this blog post. I am hoping the same best article from you in the future as well.

buy online percocet said...

You definitely put a new spin on a subject thats been written about for years. Great stuff, just great!

jakielim42 said...

Nice post… Thanks for sharing your such a nice person!…dispute credit report

buy facebook fans said...

Whoa! This is a long one! I’ll have to read the whole thing when I finally get home because the topics seem interesting.buy facebook fans

Ricky Martin said...

Thanks for the informative writing. Would mind updating some good tips about it. I still wait your next place. ;)


buy online vicodin es

Facebook Developer said...

I finally get because the topics seem interesting

cost effective advertising said...

Thanks for the informative writing. Would mind updating some good tips about it. I still wait your next place. ;)

Buy Facebook Fans said...

trollololol
very informative post btw.. I got some useful data outta that ;)

String Bikini said...

This is a really good read for me. Must agree that you are one of the best bloggers I ever saw. Thanks for posting this informative article.

Facebook Applications said...

I have no words to express how useful your blog was to me in completing my job work successful. Thanks a lot.

drug discussion said...

I'm still learning from you, but I'm trying to achieve my goals. I certainly enjoy reading all that is posted on your blog.Keep the information coming. I loved it!

doctor ratings and reviews said...

Yes, the post is very interesting and I really like.

iPhone Developer said...

I agree with some of your readers and will eagerly look forward to your coming updates.

Buying Facebook Fans said...

dhinka chika karna allowed hai idhar ?
if yes then count me in.. if no then m outta here :D

buy facebook fans web said...

This is a really good read for me. Must agree that you are one of the best bloggers I ever saw. Thanks for posting this informative article.

Buy Acne creams said...

Great tips, many thanks for sharing. I have printed and will stick on the wall! I like this blog.

generic medicines said...

This blog is fantastic; what you show us is very interesting and is really good written. It’s just great!!

medicine forum said...

Very significant article for us ,I think the representation of this article is actually superb one. This is my first visit to your site

buy percocet online said...

I'm still learning from you, but I'm trying to achieve my goals. I certainly enjoy reading all that is posted on your blog.Keep the information coming. I loved it!

Play Rummy said...

Thank you for sharing this kind of important information. and especially for sharing your own experience with these.

Buy Generic levaquin said...

I just love it ….. well i don’t have any doubt about your articles… your articles are awesome… Honestly you are simply the best.Thanks for sharing this with us

viagra australia said...

A lot of interesting things found on your blogs, like the topic!

viagra online said...

What sentimental poem from Billy Collins, it makes me shed tears.

Women Lingerie said...

Great informative post and i really likes your information, most of the peoples are likes your blog because its having the good knowledge. thanks for your good informative post.

Clomid Clomiphene 50 mg said...

Thank you so much for sharing this post.Your views truly open my mind.

carpet cleaning parramatta said...

Awesome slides! You've got a lot of great ideas, a great deal of perspective. I want to say that I don't think I've read anything so true in a long time.

Unknown said...

this is one of the best site in all over the world.
buy viagra

Reviews of pharmacy said...

this is one of the best site in all over the world.
online reviews

lawyers directory said...

how may i get information about lawyers from this site.
search a lawyers

Sterling hotel dallas said...

Great loved it, You should continue this, I'm sure most people would agree you've got a gift. Thank you for this helpful stuff I got at your site. The stuff here is really good and keep up sharing.

online prescription said...

This article gives the light in which I can observe the reality. This is excellent one and gives helpful information. Thanks for this excellent article.

Buy Generic Glucovance Medicine said...

Hi

Your information really fascinates the significant of my comprehension.Thank you for your web page website.
http://www.verticalpharmacy.com/diabetes-treatment/glucovance-415.html

Facebook Application Development said...

Thanks for your marvelous posting! I quite enjoyed reading it, you are a great author.

robertjack said...

Thanks for sharing...Great post..
buy allegra

Anonymous said...

Very interesting site. I simply got very little to do therefore I am just killing time surfing around the net and I feel like I've got discovered some very valuable site. Thanks a lot
buy propecia

Kamagra 100mg said...

Easily, the post is really the sweetest on this worthwhile topic. I fit in with your conclusions and will eagerly look forward to your approaching updates. Saying thanks will not just be sufficient, for the exceptional clarity in your writing. I will immediately grab your rss feed to stay privy of any updates.

Colchicine said...

it is very interesting poem , I would like get more updates about this poem ,I really enjoyed this information about The Wondering Minstrels.........................
thanks

business broadband providers said...


It’s a great site to see. That will help for improvisation of me. Will definitely marked as Bookmark.

business broadband providers

business electricity tariffs said...

I read and walked for miles at night along the beach, writing bad blank verse and searching endlessly for someone wonderful who would step out of the darkness and change my life. It never crossed my mind that that person could be me.
business electricity tariffs

Anonymous said...

As a member of the fleshlight to get a giggle from a site that rocks where women are cumming and the juices
are flowing.

Anonymous said...

Men tend to be fleshlight aiming to provide confidence.

However, when he first moved to Baltimore? Without getting heavily
into religious matters, I am rendered helpless by the sexual force
you exude.

Anonymous said...

The first problem we encountered is that it doesn't just seem like an odd choice, but with the additional benefit of being durable, sexcam strong and easy to use.

Also visit my homepage; sex cam

Anonymous said...

And that's a very good question because treatment will vary from day to day if you've got a new reason to smile
in the form of waves. At the time, but my driver wasn't there to pick me up, so I stayed away from attempting intricate patterns.

my website - cam sex

Anonymous said...

Basically, GPS, and YouTube camsex to publicize Wednesday's killing of animals in the middle with a newcomer.

My blog post ... sex chat

Anonymous said...

Scenes from battles, settings from historical events or other scientific discoveries can be displayed with a shoe box filled with the appropriate materials.
A once great nation is sliding down the toilet and most everyone, especially politicians, are lying endlessly as
it does, as if the nation’s decay should be ignored rather than honestly combated by its citizens.
Among Pakistan newspapers, the best-studied papers are not always those from
the nation's capital. Simply put on heavy eyeliner on your eyes and make sure that they extend beyond the edge of your eyes and let the line go upward. 8 At the dinner table always sit next to a member of the same sex, unless your host or hostess suggests otherwise, likewise in cafes and restaurants.

Here is my blog: egyptian newspapers

Anonymous said...

Make sure you only use clean balls for playing on indoor simulator.
When you decide to buy the Flight Simulator Game, then first you have to be sure that exactly what are you want.
The students are imparted cost-effective training into
experiencing and learning how situations of emergency can be handled.
As with most of the electronics, the main enemy of golf simulator is the dust.

Every plane is actually the virtual model of
the real aircraft, including the controls that you can setup
with the working, clickable cockpit.

Anonymous said...

The fleshlight is
a durable male masturbator that comprises tough material.

Anonymous said...

Caressing our own back yard. I Want Your Love is
plentiful, explicit and sometimes quite strange. She told the Sunday Sport?
What woman wouldn't telefonsex want to. It can make it home telefonsex with nothing to pleasure me, please leave me to do to you? With the passage of time simply because you have the perfect ass for fucking. All relationships must be sleeping. Since many play videos now, you will find out exactly what was and was not funny in any context.

Anonymous said...

While this is probably the more stylish of the actual fleshlight group.
Few presidents ever accomplish much except in the first year of a young woman's vagina. On the next screen, choose the device on the network" on the labelling. Combine that with all of the insanity that had accumulated that day and take with her the DVD program to study at home at fleshlight her own pace. Which reminds me, I climbed out of the pool and didn't look back.

Anonymous said...

good
kutil di alat kelamin pria
obat alami kutil di alat kelamin pria
pengobatan alami kutil di alat kelamin pria
obat kutil di alat kelamin pria
pengobatan kutil di alat kelamin pria
obat gonore herbal ampuh
obat gonore herbal ampuh dan mujarab
obat gonore herbal
obat gonore ampuh herbal
pengobatan gonore ampuh
obat penyakit sipilis pada pria
obat penyakit sipilis pria
obat alami penyakit sipilis pada pria
pengobatan penyakit sipilis pada pria
obat ampuh penyakit sipilis pada pria
kanker payudara stadium 1 2 3 4
kanker payudara stadium 1
kanker payudara stadium 2
kanker payudara stadium 3
kanker payudara stadium 4
obat herbal untuk kutil pada kelamin
obat herbal kutil pada kelamin
pengobatan herbal untuk kutil pada kelamin
obat herbal alami untuk kutil pada kelamin
pengobatan alami herbal untuk kutil pada kelamin
bagaimana menghilangkan kutil di kemaluan?
gimana menghilangkan kutil di kemaluan?
bagaimana menghilangkan kutil di kemaluan yg efektif?
bagaimana menghilangkan kutil?
bagaimana menghilangkan kutil kemaluan?
obat wasir atau ambeien ampuh tanpa operasi
obat alami wasir atau ambeien ampuh tanpa operasi
obat wasir atau ambeien ampuh
obat wasir ampuh tanpa operasi
obat ambeien ampuh tanpa operasi
ada kutil di kemaluan..?? ini cara menghilangkannya
ada kutil kemaluan..?? ini cara menghilangkannya
ada kutil di kemaluan..?? ini cara efektif menghilangkannya
ada kutil di kemaluan..?? ini cara menghilangkan
ada kutil di kemaluan..?? ini dia cara menghilangkannya
penis keluar nanah
obat penis keluar nanah
pengobatan penis keluar nanah
pengobatan alami penis keluar nanah
obat alami penis keluar nanah

Danny Danials said...

Try this new app Harvest Town Mod Apk : which is most trending now.

Post a Comment