Nothing New

The great writers, one piece at a time.

Emily Dickinson · Poems

Poem 85 of 446 · First Series: Time and Eternity

Poem 10

— ✻ —

I died for beauty, but was scarce Adjusted in the tomb, When one who died for truth was lain In an adjoining room.

He questioned softly why I failed? "For beauty," I replied. "And I for truth, -- the two are one; We brethren are," he said.

And so, as kinsmen met a night, We talked between the rooms, Until the moss had reached our lips, And covered up our names.

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