Because I could not stop for death

By Emily Dickinson

Because I could not stop for Death –

He kindly stopped for me –

The Carriage held but just Ourselves –

And Immortality.

We slowly drove – He knew no haste

And I had put away

My labor and my leisure too,

For His Civility –

We passed the School, where Children strove

At Recess – in the Ring –

We passed the Fields of Gazing Grain –

We passed the Setting Sun –

Or rather – He passed Us –

The Dews drew quivering and Chill –

For only Gossamer, my Gown –

My Tippet – only Tulle –

We paused before a House that seemed

A Swelling of the Ground –

The Roof was scarcely visible –

The Cornice – in the Ground –

Since then – 'tis Centuries – and yet

Feels shorter than the Day

I first surmised the Horses' Heads

Were toward Eternity –

The link to the full poem & info on Emily Dickinson can be found here Because I could not stop for Death – (479) by… | Poetry Foundation

Emily Dickinson was an odd duck.  She barely left her room for the last few years of her life. 

Upon her death her family and loved ones found little notes or poems that she had left in tucked in various places throughout her room.  Many were hidden from plain sight and had been lovingly nestled between the folds of her favourite books etc.

Someone or probably lots of “someone’s” collected these all together and hey presto some of the most stunning poetry is the result. 

I particularly love them because most of her poetry is fairly short … but punchy. 

Thank you, Emily!