I’ve known a Heaven, like a Tent —

I’ve known a Heaven, like a Tent —
To wrap its shining Yards —
Pluck up its stakes, and disappear —
Without the sound of Boards
Or Rip of Nail — Or Carpenter —
But just the miles of Stare —
That signalize a Show’s Retreat —
In North America —

No Trace — no Figment of the Thing
That dazzled, Yesterday,
No Ring — no Marvel —
Men, and Feats —
Dissolved as utterly —
As Bird’s far Navigation
Discloses just a Hue —
A plash of Oars, a Gaiety —
Then swallowed up, of View.

Emily Dickinson

The Show is Over

I’ve known a Sky like a Tent
Which wrapped its shining lands,
Plucked up its stakes, and disappeared —
Without the sound of Boards
Or Nail pulling— Or Carpenter —
Look over the faraway field
And you’ll see the Show leaving
From North America —
No Trace — no Evidence of the Event
That dazzled you, Yesterday,
No Circle — no Wonder —
Men, and Performances —
Disappeared as utterly —
As Bird’s faraway Immigration
Discloses just a Hue—
A splash of Oars swallowed up
A Gaiety of View.

The author of “Glee—the Great Storm Is Over” was excited last night to enjoy the Great Show of Storm starring Thunder and Lightning.  Now she misses the Show under a peaceful but vacant Sky.