After great pain, a formal feeling comes
(#341)
Emily Dickinson (1830-1886)

       Poetry Page / English 9 / Dickinson page

                After great pain, a formal feeling comes ¾
                The Nerves sit ceremonious, like Tombs ¾
                The stiff Heart questions was it He, that bore,
                And yesterday, or Centuries before?
                The Feet, mechanical, go round ¾
                Of Ground, or Air, or Ought ¾
                A Wooden way
                Regardless grown,
                A Quartz contentment, like a stone ¾
                This is the hour of Lead ¾
                Remembered, if outlived,
                As Freezing persons, recollect the Snow ¾
                First – Chill – the Stupor – then letting go ¾

1862