Arcturus

written by


« Reload image

"Arcturus" is his other name —
I'd rather call him "Star."
It's very mean of Science
To go and interfere!

I slew a worm the other day —
A "Savant" passing by
Murmured "Resurgam" — "Centipede"!
"Oh Lord — how frail are we"!

I pull a flower from the woods —
A monster with a glass
Computes the stamens in a breath —
And has her in a "class"!

Whereas I took the Butterfly
Aforetime in my hat —
He sits erect in "Cabinets" —
The Clover bells forgot.

What once was "Heaven"
Is "Zenith" now —
Where I proposed to go
When Time's brief masquerade was done
Is mapped and charted too.

What if the poles should frisk about
And stand upon their heads!
I hope I'm ready for "the worst" —
Whatever prank betides!

Perhaps the "Kingdom of Heaven's" changed —
I hope the "Children" there Won't be "new fashioned" when I come —
And laugh at me — and stare —

I hope the Father in the skies
Will lift his little girl —
Old fashioned — naught — everything —
Over the stile of "Pearl."

© Emily Dickinson