This particular selection of poem was extremely, extremely, extremely God centered. It seemed to revolve around the themes and ideas related to the divine.

The poet's focus on God was so intense that it was palpable throughout the lines.

There was a sense of reverence and awe that came through in the words.

It was as if the poet was in a state of spiritual communion while penning these verses.

However, there was an interesting subtext that was being suppressed. They tried to forget that Emily was a raging lesbian.

This fact, which was perhaps inconvenient or uncomfortable for some, was being pushed to the side.

But it still lingered in the background, adding a layer of complexity to the otherwise straightforward God-centered narrative of the poem.

It made one wonder how Emily's personal identity might have influenced her perception of God and her expression in the poem.

Was there a conflict or a reconciliation between her sexuality and her religious beliefs?

These are questions that remain unanswered, but they add an intriguing dimension to the overall analysis of the poem.

This book receives only one star, yet this one star has no connection whatsoever with Dickinson, who is truly a Five Star poet.

The Modern Library has "regularized" her punctuation and capitalization to suit the eyes of the modern reader. What an absolute obscenity this is! Her punctuation and capitalization were an essential and integral part of her art. It is as if they have stripped away the very essence that made her works so unique and remarkable.

As a result, this book has been deleted from my collection. I will firmly adhere to my R.W. Franklin and Thomas H. Johnson editions, which have her originality intact. These editions allow me to experience Dickinson's poetry in its purest and most authentic form, without the interference of unnecessary "regularizations". I believe that it is crucial to preserve the original characteristics of her works in order to fully appreciate the genius and beauty of her poetry.

Why do I feel like this woman was such a weirdo?

There could be several reasons. Maybe her behavior was unusual compared to what I'm accustomed to. She might have done things that seemed out of the ordinary or不符合常规.

Her appearance could also have contributed to my perception. Perhaps she had a unique style or wore something that caught my attention in a strange way.

Another factor could be the way she interacted with others. Maybe her conversations were odd or she had a different approach to socializing.

It's also possible that my initial impression was influenced by my own biases or preconceived notions. Sometimes, we judge people based on limited information or our own expectations.

However, it's important to remember that first impressions aren't always accurate. There could be more to this woman than meets the eye. Maybe she has a fascinating personality or a story that would change my perception of her.

In conclusion, while I may have initially thought this woman was a weirdo, it's important to keep an open mind and get to know her better before making a final judgment.

Este pó foram damas, cavalheiros,

Rapazes e meninas;

Foi riso, foi espírito e suspiro,

Vestidos, tranças finas.

Este lugar foram jardins que abelhas

E flores alegraram.

Findo o verão, findava o seu destino...

E como estes, passaram.

Oh mulher vitoriana provavelmente deprimida terias adorado o tumblr.

This powder was of ladies, gentlemen,

Boys and girls;

It was laughter, it was spirit and sigh,

Dresses, fine braids.

This place was gardens that bees

And flowers delighted.

With summer ending, its destiny was ending...

And like these, they passed.

Oh probably depressed Victorian woman, you would have adored Tumblr.

This woman has such an profound impact on me that it makes me desire to follow in the footsteps of Thoreau and retreat to the isolation of the woods. There, I would spend my life writing poetry and nurturing plants.

I have never encountered poetry that can arouse such a diverse spectrum of emotions within me. Her works are exquisitely interspersed with humor, hope, longing, and sharp wit. It is truly remarkable.

I find myself deeply envious of her unique relationship with nature and the way she perceives the world, free from the distractions and chaos of human society.

Undoubtedly, this is a collection of poetry that I would eagerly return to time and time again, especially when I am in need of comfort or a sense of grounding. It has the power to soothe my soul and bring me back to a state of inner peace and tranquility.

Her words have the ability to transport me to a different realm, a place where I can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and find solace in the beauty of nature and the power of her poetry.

I am truly grateful to have discovered her work and look forward to exploring more of her literary treasures in the future.

It is no wonder that Emily Dickinson is regarded as the greatest American poet of all time. Although during her lifetime, she only managed to publish a mere six poems, Emily was a prolific writer in the shadows until her sister Lavinia, after her death, discovered and published her extensive body of work, which consisted of nearly two thousand poems. I had read several of them, but it was not until now that I have been able to enjoy the entirety of her works, and I can assure you that it is essential.

It is known that Dickinson found salvation in writing. Her disorderly handwritten texts were found on loose papers, margins of books and newspapers. Any piece of paper was a good place to create art. The vast majority had no title, nor a date that could help situate or order her work chronologically, and often showed dissonance in her ideas. They said of her that she was an uncontrolled poet and that she committed countless imperfections and ellipses that could not be correctly interpreted.

Reading the compilation of her complete poetry is to know a complex, delicate, lucid and pure soul. Her art lies in introspection, the observation of the world around her, and the lyricism with which she offered a vision of nature. Some of her poems are cyclical, offering us the passage of time, of days, of seasons, from the distance of someone who does not entirely belong to that picture and who observes it from the other side.

But if there is something that characterizes and stands out in her texts, it is the particularity with which she portrayed the death and immortality of the being. When reading her, you feel that Emily turned death into another protagonist of her life. It is a fact that there was concern, but her work denotes that she did not fear it, she admired and adored it. She felt and knew it much more than any mortal. It is inevitable to feel emotion in the face of the struggle that the reading transmits, a battle of thoughts that she finally translated into precious verses.

Pure poetry, a delight for the senses and to enjoy a sensibility that we will probably never enjoy again.

Emily Dickinson was a remarkable poet who seemed to know everything.

She had a profound understanding of the human condition, with a yearning for something intangible that she could not name.

Her constant thoughts about death were not morbid but rather a deep exploration of the unknown.

She also recognized the inherent divinity of nature, finding beauty and inspiration in the simplest of things.

Moreover, her works hinted at a sapphic longing, adding another layer of complexity to her already rich and diverse body of work.

Emily Dickinson's knowledge and insights were truly extraordinary, and her poetry continues to resonate with readers today.

Her ability to capture the essence of human emotions and experiences in such a concise and powerful way is a testament to her genius.

She was a pioneer in her own right, breaking free from the constraints of traditional poetry and forging her own unique path.

Her works will continue to be studied and admired for generations to come, as they offer a window into the mind and heart of one of the greatest poets of all time.

Emily Dickinson's poetry is a world of its own, a place where the ordinary becomes extraordinary and the simplest of words carry the weight of profound emotions. Her work has the power to transport us to different lands, just like a book, as she herself so beautifully wrote in her poem. Last weekend, I dedicated myself to exploring her poetry, putting aside all my other reading. A friend's mention of Dickinson reminded me of her reclusive life and the few poems I had read before. But as I delved deeper, I realized there was so much more to her than I initially thought. I was intimidated by her complete poems, so I started with a selected collection. However, I know I will read the complete works someday. The poems I read were filled with beauty and complexity. Some were rewritten to fit the conventional rhyme of her time, but others were written in different ways by Dickinson herself. Each variation added a new layer of meaning to the poems. One poem that really touched me was "Success is counted sweetest." It made me think about how those who have never succeeded truly understand the value of success. Another poem, "If I can stop one heart from breaking," seemed to reflect Dickinson's kind nature. It was inspiring to read her words and think about how we can find meaning in our lives by helping others. Even though she lived a secluded life, her poetry was perhaps the best way she had to reach out and touch others. Overall, Dickinson's poetry has captivated me and given me a new perspective on the power of words.

  There is no frigate like a book
To take us lands away,
Nor any coursers like a page
Of prancing poetry.

This traverse may the poorest take
Without oppress of toll;
How frugal is the chariot
That bears a human soul!

She described my needs with beauty and accuracy. That is all I need. A book. And coffee. And maybe something to eat. But mostly a book.

Last weekend (weekends; the only time I can read like a maniac and write some things), I put on hold all my currently-reading books and dedicated myself to poetry. A GR friend mentioned Dickinson the other day and I remembered reading a couple of poems and a bit about her reclusive, haunted-by-death life. But I didn't know her, at all. Still, I am not sure I know her now. There are so many aspects to consider. If I had to choose one word to describe her, I couldn't; I would need hundreds of them. She contains multitudes, as another poet said. She seems so simple. But there is a beautiful, bittersweet complexity in her quietness.

I found The Complete Poems and, to be honest, I was quite intimidated. So instead, I chose a "Selected Poems" collection. But I will definitely read that first one, entirely, someday. I only read its footnotes related to the poems I read.

There are so many poems that I loved. And so many variations too. I am not going to discuss the fact that some of her poems were rewritten in order to fit the conventional rhyme of her time (atrocious). But I will mention that some of them were written in different ways by the poet herself. For example, this one that is now so close to my heart.

Success is counted sweetest
By those who ne’er succeed.
To comprehend a nectar
Requires sorest need.

Not one of all the purple Host
Who took the Flag to-day
Can tell the definition,
So clear of Victory

As he defeated – dying –
On whose forbidden ear
The distant strains of triumph
Burst agonized and clear!

That poem was written in 1859. There is another one written in 1862. Although the text is the same, the structure is not. Plus, a dozen of dashes and her weird capitalization. Anyway, the poem is absolutely beautiful. Poignantly beautiful. There is a person who never succeeded, a loser, and Dickinson wisely tells us that he really understands the idea of success. The person who lacks something, clearly wants that something, he longs for it, and is able to get to know it so well because... he cannot touch it. He knows it better that the one who actually possesses it. In this case, success, victory. A poem I truly identify with.

In conclusion, the loser acquired an unpleasant knowledge, one that stayed with him until his death. I remember a line of a song that I never listened to, saying that there is no worse nostalgia than to yearn for what never happened or never existed. An almost never-ending sorrow, a usually identifiable cause and an apparently nonexistent solution. Silver lining? You can't lose what you never had. (Worst “silver lining” ever).

Another one:

If I can stop one heart from breaking,
I shall not live in vain;
If I can ease one life the aching,
Or cool one pain,
Or help one fainting robin
Unto his nest again,
I shall not live in vain.

A 1890 poem that seems to reflect Dickinson's kind nature. Inspiring verses that are trying to help us find some meaning in our lives. Something that can be found when we help others. I am not sure how helpful you can be while living inside your room and not even talking to people to their faces, but at least she wrote about it...? Her poetry might have been the best and maybe the only way she had to help others.

It is quite a positive poem, considering Death is one of her most recurring themes. Just to name a few: "If I should die", "If I shouldn't be alive", "Death is like the insect", "Because I could not stop for Death" (one of her most well-known poems and the first one I've ever read).

But I am not focusing on that theme. Enough has been said. I found other poems that are now stuck in my head.

I'm Nobody! Who are you?
Are you –Nobody – too?
Then there's a pair of us!
Dont tell! they'd advertise - you know!

How dreary – to be – Somebody!
How public – like a Frog –
To tell one's name – the livelong June –
To an admiring Bog!

***

Much Madness is divinest Sense –
To a discerning Eye –
Much Sense - the starkest Madness –
'Tis the Majority
In this, as All, prevail –
Assent – and you are sane –
Demur – you're straightaway dangerous –
And handled with a Chain –

***

I had no time to hate, because
The grave would hinder me,
And life was not so ample I
Could finish enmity. That beckoned it away!
Nor had I time to love; but since
Some industry must be,
The little toil of love, I thought,
Was large enough for me.

Dickinson captivated me. She gave me a new perspective on poetry. If I could describe all these feelings her work has created in me, I would feel such a huge relief; I can't, though. So I must borrow some of her words: "If I read a book [and] it makes my whole body so cold no fire ever can warm me, I know that is poetry. If I feel physically as if the top of my head were taken off, I know that is poetry."

March 2, 2014?

* Also on my blog.

I had the pleasure of going through a few poems from this particular selection.

Some of them really caught my attention and I thoroughly enjoyed reading them. However, as I delved deeper into the collection, I realized that my personal taste leans more towards modern poetry.

I found that I just don't have a great fancy for poetry written before the 20th century. Maybe it's because the language and the themes in those older poems seem a bit foreign to me.

The way people expressed themselves back then was different, and it sometimes takes more effort for me to understand and connect with their words.

Nonetheless, I still appreciate the historical significance of those early works and the role they played in shaping the evolution of poetry.

But when it comes to my own enjoyment, I find myself drawn more to the contemporary poets who are able to capture the essence of our modern lives in a way that speaks directly to me.

At first, imagine that moment

when I receive

you who were the essence

forget to live

after that "life is just like this"

a word that I never knew its meaning

just as heaven was something imaginary

until that moment when I reached your pen.

The fact that "life is being"

is very right for me

unless I find you on the face of my savior

someone who doubts eternity

what can replace me with anything but him

me who is the essence of your veiled face

brings me from heaven and hell

the right of punishment

to someone who gives up this face

in return for something of little value

if "God is love" as it is said

we believe it

because it surely says

he is the God of jealousy

if anything is lost from him

just as he is forgiving at the same time

finally he returns to us

our sacrificed gods.

I have a deep affection for poetry. However, there are times when I question whether I love the concept of poetry more than the actual thing. Of course, this isn't entirely accurate. When presented with a profound poem, I will always hold it in high regard (and perhaps even develop a slight infatuation). Nevertheless, I don't engage with it as frequently as I might like.

I state this because I don't feel competent enough to rate this selection. I read somewhere that for those who are well-versed in Dickinson's works, the absence of her distinctive punctuation and capitalization is a shortcoming in this edition. This is understandable. I look forward to reading her original works with the proper punctuation and capitalization someday.

Despite this, I find the concise length of 66 pages to be a great introduction to her poetry. Reading the poems slowly and carefully, savoring them piece by piece, both in terms of meaning and sound, I was able to discover several hidden gems.

Here are some of my favorite passages:

It's all I have to bring to-day,
This, and my heart beside,
This, and my heart, and all the fields,
And all the meadows wide;

***

A book I have, a friend gave,
Whose pencil, here and there,
Had notched the place that pleased him,–
At rest his fingers are.

***

The heart asks pleasure first,
And then, excuse from pain;

***

He questioned softly why I failed?
"For beauty," I replied,
"And I for truth,–the two are one;
We brethren are," he said.

I don't know how poetry is interpreted or whether it is necessary to interpret it. You don't even need to touch any of these places or pick up any poetry book. Nevertheless, I will write something, so that it remains in my memory.

The poet who influenced me the most was Arthur Rimbaud. After reading what he wrote, I used to say that I couldn't easily like others. My opinion didn't change even after reading Emily Dickinson. However, the emphasis on nature in the poems selected for this book really appealed to me. Butterflies, bees, flowers, birds almost appear on every page.

The inclusion of both English and Turkish versions of the poems has been beneficial. The translation is very good. After a difficult task, it has been successfully completed. The translator Selahattin Özpalabıyıklar's short but content-rich introduction prepares you for the book you will read. The inclusion of the dates of the poems will also serve as a source for those who want to follow or interpret the poet's development.

The two poems that start with the lines "Nobody knows this little rose - / Kimse tanımıyor bu küçük Gülü -" and "If I can stop one Heart from breaking / Bir Kalbi kırılmaktan koruyabilsem" became my favorites.