When I hoped, I recollect

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When I hoped, I recollect
Just the place I stood --
At a Window facing West --
Roughest Air -- was good --

Not a Sleet could bite me --
Not a frost could cool --
Hope it was that kept me warm --
Not Merino shawl --

When I feared -- I recollect
Just the Day it was --
Worlds were lying out to Sun --
Yet how Nature froze --

Icicles upon my soul
Prickled Blue and Cool --
Bird went praising everywhere --
Only Me -- was still --

And the Day that I despaired --
This -- if I forget
Nature will -- that it be Night
After Sun has set --
Darkness intersect her face --
And put out her eye --
Nature hesitate -- before
Memory and I --

© Emily Dickinson