Her ― “last Poems” ―

Her ― “last Poems” ―
Poets ― ended ―
Silver ― perished ― with her Tongue ―
Not on Record ― bubbled other,
Flute ― or Woman ―
So divine ―
Not unto its Summer ― Morning
Robin ― uttered Half the Tune ―
Gushed too full for the Adoring ―
From the Anglo-Florentine ―
Late ― the Praise ―
‘Tis dull ― conferring
On the Head too High to Crown ―
Diadem ― or Ducal Showing ―
Be its Grave ― sufficient sign ―
Nought ― that We ― No Poet’s Kinsman ―
Suffocate ― with easy woe ―
What, and if, Ourself a Bridegroom ―
Put Her down ― in Italy?

Emily Dickinson

Hymn for late Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Her “last Poems”
Ended Poets ――
Poetry perished with her Voice ―
‘Tis not on Record
Other Flute
Or woman bubbled
So divinely ―
Not in its Summer Morning
Robin that sang Half the Tune
Joined fully in the Adoring chorus
Of the Anglo-Florentine people―
The Praise is late ――
'Tis dull granting
Diadem or Ducal Showing
On the Head too High to Crown ―
Its Grave be the sufficient sign of
Emptiness ―We, no Poet’s kinsman,
Suffocate with easy woe ―
What if I be a Bridegroom
Shall I put Her down in Italy?

* “her” is referred to Elizabeth Barnett Browning who ran away with Robert Browning into Italy and spent her life mainly in Florence.

* Emily respects Mrs. Browning. This poem is written two years after her death.

* The Picture is her tomb in English cemetery in Florence. Her body was transported to England.

*”Last Poem” was edited by Browning and published. Emily read it admiringly.