Monday Mainstay: a (second) Emily Dickinson poem

There is no frigate like a book
To take us lands away,
Nor any courses like a page
Of prancing poetry.

This traverse may be the poorest take
Without oppress of toll;
How frugal is the chariot
That bears a human soul!


If it's not obvious by now, I love to read. I love how books can whisk you to "lands away," no matter what is going on.

To books taking us "lands away."

Monday Mainstay: an Emily Dickinson poem

IF I can stop one heart from breaking,
I shall not live in vain;
If I can ease one life the aching,
Or cool one pain,
Or help one fainting robin	5
Unto his nest again,
I shall not live in vain.

                                                  -Emily Dickinson

I've decided that Mondays need a little something to brighten them up. So this Monday, it's Emily Dickinson to the rescue.  I think she's eased the aching in countless lives and cooled countless pains - maybe even stopped hearts from breaking. Her words still resonate with us today.

I must say that one of the reasons this particular poem appeals to me so much is its simplicity. She says everything outright and so clearly and elegantly, too. This poem is so utterly sincere; doesn't it kind of stop you in your tracks?

To not living in vain and to Emily Dickinson.