As imperceptibly as Grief

As imperceptibly as Grief
The Summer lapsed away ―
Too imperceptible at last
To seem like Perfidy ―

A Quietness distilled
As Twilight long begun,
Or Nature spending with herself
Sequestered Afternoon ―

The Dusk drew earlier in ―
The Morning foreign shone ―
A courteous, yet harrowing Grace,
As Guest, that would be gone ―

And thus, without a Wing
Or service of a Keel
Our Summer made her light escape
Into the Beautiful.

Emily Dickinson

Summer Flees to the Next Season

Though trying to hide her Grief
The Summer dwindled away ―
At last keeping it too secret
To seem untrustful ―

A Silence distilled
As Twilight began long,
Or Nature spending alone
Private Afternoon ―

The Dusk became earlier ―
The Morning shone excluded―
A courteous, yet disturbing Leave,
As Guest, that would be gone ―

And thus, without a Wing
Or service of a Keel
Our Summer made her light escape
Into the Beautiful season.