I Took my Power in my Hand, by Emily Dickinson

I Took my Power in my Hand

540

I took my Power in my Hand—

And went against the World—

’Twas not so much as David—had—

But I—was twice as bold—

I aimed by Pebble—but Myself

Was all the one that fell—

Was it Goliath—was too large—

Or was myself—too small?

The Snow that never drifts - The transient, fragrant snow That comes a single time a Year Is softly driving now - So thorough in the Tree

773 Deprived of other Banquet, I entertained Myself— At first—a scant nutrition— An insufficient Loaf—

404 How many Flowers fail in Wood— Or perish from the Hill— Without the privilege to know That they are Beautiful—

559 It knew no Medicine— It was not Sickness—then— Nor any need of Surgery— And therefore—'twas not Pain—

342 It will be Summer—eventually. Ladies—with parasols— Sauntering Gentlemen—with Canes— And little Girls—with Dolls—

493 The World—stands—solemner—to me— Since I was wed—to Him— A modesty befits the soul That bears another’s—name—

When a Lover is a Beggar Abject is his Knee - When a Lover is an Owner Different is he - What he begged is then the Beggar…

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

I years had been from home, And now, before the door, I dared not open, lest a face I never saw before Stare vacant into mine

372 I know lives, I could miss Without a Misery— Others—whose instant’s wanting— Would be Eternity—

XLVIII THOUGH I get home how late, how… So I get home, ’t will compensate… Better will be the ecstasy That they have done expecting me,

My Life had stood—a Loaded Gun— In Corners—till a Day The Owner passed—identified— And carried Me away— And now We roam in Sovereign Woo…

354 From Cocoon forth a Butterfly As Lady from her Door Emerged—a Summer Afternoon— Repairing Everywhere—

543 I fear a Man of frugal Speech— I fear a Silent Man— Haranguer—I can overtake— Or Babbler—entertain—

384 No Rack can torture me— My Soul—at Liberty— Behind this mortal Bone There knits a bolder One—