The most famous American poet, Emily Dickinson (1830 – 1886), only published seven poems during her lifetime, and that was anonymously. She lived a secluded life, rarely leaving the confines of her family home in Amherst, Massachusetts. In isolation, she dedicated herself to reading and writing, while maintaining a vibrant correspondence throughout her life. This introverted way of life opened her up to subtle internal observations and contemplations upon which she built her poetic world. After her death, around 1800 poems were discovered, as well as numerous letters filled with references and quotes from the works of William Shakespeare, whom she greatly admired and undoubtedly found inspiration in. Her poetry possesses a great power that transcends the conventional norms of the time, singing about nature, love, death, immortality… In concise verses, she expresses ideas that have the ability to provoke and transport the reader into her realm of thoughts. Do they exist?
Would I see him from the mountains
If I were as tall as them?
Does he have feathers like a bird?
Does he have legs like lily pads?
Was he born in places
That my eyes have never seen?
Oh Teacher! Oh Sailor!
Oh Wise one from the sky, tell me!
Where should a little Pilgrim
Look for a place called “Dawn”?
Edited by: Dijana Kotarac
