J327

Before I got my eye put outI liked as well to see -As other Creatures, that have EyesAnd know no other way -

But were it told to me - Today -That I might have the skyFor mine - I tell you that my HeartWould split, for size of me -

The Meadows - mine -The Mountains - mine -All Forests - Stintless Stars -As much of Noon as I could takeBetween my finite eyes -

The Motions of the Dipping Birds -The Morning’s Amber Road -For mine - to look at when I liked -The News would strike me dead -

So safer - guess - with just my soulUpon the Window pane -Where other Creatures put their eyes -Incautious - of the Sun -

c. 1862                            1891

This poem is a very effective expression of the psychology of renunciation. Here she uses sight as a metaphor for fulfilment. Having once lost what she desired, and afraid to suffer such pain again, she now finds spiritual possession “safer” than physical satisfaction.