If you went to high school in the United States, you've probably read at least a few poems by Emily Dickinson. You might have learned that she's been called "the Belle of Amherst" and perhaps also that she was something of a recluse. A Quiet Passion, a new movie about Emily Dickinson, brings Dickinson to life. It's been getting great reviews and I can't wait to see it.
Emily Dickinson has so many wonderful poems, and they're all pretty short, so I couldn't pick just one. Success is counted sweetest and Tell the truth but tell it slant are both among her most famous poems and feel fresh and relevant- tact is as critical a skill today as it was in the mid-19th century.
Success is counted sweetest
Success is counted sweetest
By those who ne'er succeed.
To comprehend a nectar
Requires sorest need.
Not one of all the purple Host
Who took the Flag today
Can tell the definition
So clear of victory
As he defeated – dying –
On whose forbidden ear
The distant strains of triumph
Burst agonized and clear!
Tell the truth but tell it slant
Tell all the truth but tell it slant —
Success in Circuit lies
Too bright for our infirm Delight
The Truth's superb surprise
As Lightning to the Children eased
With explanation kind
The Truth must dazzle gradually
Or every man be blind —
Do you have a favorite Emily Dickinson poem?
