'Twas Crisis -- All the length had passed --

From Free media library

Written by:

Emily Dickinson (other works)

Poem #:

948

Composed:

Published:

Volume:

Language:

English

Type:

Poetry

Form:

Rhyme:

Preceded by:

Of Tolling Bell I ask the cause? -947-

Succeeded by:

Under the Light, yet under, -949-

Wikipedia article </table>

'Twas Crisis -- All the length had passed --
That dull -- benumbing time
There is in Fever or Event --
And now the Chance had come --

The instant holding in its claw
The privilege to live
Or warrant to report the Soul
The other side the Grave.

The Muscles grappled as with leads
That would not let the Will --
The Spirit shook the Adamant --
But could not make it feel.

The Second poised -- debated -- shot --
Another had begun --
And simultaneously, a Soul
Escaped the House unseen --