22 A Coffin-is a small Domain; 23 It can't be

A Coffin—is a Small Domain

A Coffin—is a small Domain,

Yet able to contain
A Citizen of Paradise
In it diminished Plane.

A Grave—is a restricted Breadth—

Yet ampler than the Sun—
And all the Seas He populates
And Lands He looks upon

To Him who on its small Repose

Bestows a single Friend—
Circumference without Relief—
Or Estimate—or End—

Emily Dickinson

 

I know that Emily Dickinson was somewhat obsessed with death as a subject for her poems. We now spend quite a bit of time where Daniel’s coffin lies buried. Why? Are we any more likely to encounter Daniel's presence there than anywhere else? Probably not. However, it is a spot dedicated to the time of resurrection and as such it is, in a manner of speaking, holy ground.

While I agree that a coffin is indeed a small domain, think about what it means. That someone has died, yes. That we miss that person, more than words can tell. But while the body reposes in that coffin, the spirit has risen, unfettered by mortal chains.

 

 

It can’t be “Summer”!

It can't be "Summer"!

That—got through!
It's early—yet—for "Spring"!
There's that long town of White—to cross—
Before the Blackbirds sing!
It can't be "Dying"!
It's too Rouge—
The Dead shall go in White—
So Sunset shuts my question down
With Cuffs of Chrysolite!

Emily Dickinson

 

I can see why Daniel might have chosen this one; he didn’t much like summer.