Nothing New

The great writers, one piece at a time.

Emily Dickinson · Poems

Poem 290 of 446 · Third Series: Life

Poem 9

— ✻ —

Drowning is not so pitiful As the attempt to rise. Three times, 't is said, a sinking man Comes up to face the skies, And then declines forever To that abhorred abode Where hope and he part company, -- For he is grasped of God. The Maker's cordial visage, However good to see, Is shunned, we must admit it, Like an adversity.

Receive Emily Dickinson one poem at a time, every morning.
Subscribe →