When I hoped, I recollect

Emily DickinsonContemplative

When I hoped, I recollect Just the place I stood -- At a Window facing West -- Roughest Air -- was good --

Not a Sleet could bite me -- Not a frost could cool -- Hope it was that kept me warm -- Not Merino shawl --

When I feared -- I recollect Just the Day it was -- Worlds were lying out to Sun -- Yet how Nature froze --

Icicles upon my soul Prickled Blue and Cool -- Bird went praising everywhere -- Only Me -- was still --

And the Day that I despaired -- This -- if I forget Nature will -- that it be Night After Sun has set -- Darkness intersect her face -- And put out her eye -- Nature hesitate -- before Memory and I --

Emily Dickinson

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When I hoped, I
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