May Fifteenth 1886
In memory of Emily Dickinson
She slipped away — one May afternoon —
While gardens bloomed — outside her room —
Nature, her oldest friend — kept watch
As breath — grew soft — then ceased its tune.
No thunderous exit — for the one
Who lived so quietly — in Amherst town —
Just silence — settling like dust —
On desk — on pen — on unfinished crown.
They did not know — the verses stored —
In drawers — like precious, hidden seeds —
That would outlive — her mortal frame —
And bloom — through centuries — indeed.
Death came — not as a stranger — no —
But as a theme — she'd long explored —
Her carriage ride — at last arrived —
Immortality — her true reward.
She who dressed in white — now wrapped
In words — eternal as the sky —
The dashes — between life and death —
Too narrow for — her soul — to die.
© 2025 Tim Carmichael. All rights reserved.
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About the Creator
Tim Carmichael
Tim is an Appalachian poet and cookbook author. He writes about rural life, family, and the places he grew up around. His poetry and essays have appeared in Bloodroot and Coal Dust, his latest book.
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Comments (14)
Nice My dear friend
I think emily dickinson would love this! very floaty and personal, and very in line with her style. I've always liked her poetry, especially the fact that everything pulled from her room was meant to be just for her. it's even more personal in a way.
This poem about her slipping away is really beautiful. It makes you think about how her words outlived her. I like how it shows death not as a shock but something she was familiar with. It makes me wonder what her life was like, writing those verses in secret. How do you think her exploration of death in her work influenced her view on life?
Beautiful, Love the imagery. Congratulations on top story.
woo
She would approve!
beautifully written- I enjoyed the imagery of "The dashes — between life and death" — congratulations on top story.
Congrats on top story mate!!!!
Such a powerful meaningful and apt tribute. Congratulations on the top story. Much deserved
I agree with Oneg. Not only are the words powerful but I love your presentation. 👏 Congratulations on the Top Story! ⚡💙⚡
The last few lines especially… damn. “The dashes - between life and death” and all the dashes
Such a beautiful tribute. Well done.
So lovely ♦️🍀♦️
lovely tribute, Tim