The Day undressed – Herself –

Note the unusual notches in the paper of this poem, which Emily Dickinson sent to Elizabeth Holland in 1862, one of the poet’s most productive years. 

The Day undressed – Herself –
Her Garter – was of Gold –
Her Petticoat – of Purple plain –
Her Dimities – as old

Exactly – as the World –
And yet the newest star –
Enrolled opon the Hemisphere
Be wrinkled – much as Her –

Too near to God – to pray –
Too near to Heaven – to fear –
The Lady – of the Occident
Retired without a care –

Her Candle so expire
The flickering be seen
On Ball of Mast in Bosporus –
And Dome – and Window Pane –