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1830–1886

XVI.

Emily Dickinson

What if I say I shall not wait? What if I burst the fleshly gate And pass, escaped, to thee? What if I file this mortal off,

See where it hurt me, — that‘ s enough, — And wade in liberty? They cannot take us any more, — Dungeons may call, and guns implore;

Unmeaning now, to me, As laughter was an hour ago, Or laces, or a travelling show, Or who died yesterday!

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XVI. · Emily Dickinson · Poetry Cove