I met a King this afternoon!

I met a King this afternoon!
He had not on a Crown indeed -
A little Palmleaf Hat was all,
And he was barefoot, I’m afraid!

But sure I am he Ermine wore
Beneath his faded Jacket’s blue -
And sure I am, the crest he bore
Within that Jacket’s pocket too!

For t’was too stately for an Earl -
A Marquis would not go so grand!
’Twas possibly a Czar petite -
A Pope, or something of that kind!

If I must tell you, of a Horse
My freckled Monarch held the rein -
Doubtless an estimable Beast,
But not at all disposed to run!

And such a wagon! While I live
Dare I presume to see
Another such a vehicle
As then transported me!

Two other ragged Princes
His royal state partook!
Doubtless the first excursion
These sovereigns ever took!

I question if the Royal Coach
Round which the Footmen wait
Has the significance, on high,
Of this Barefoot Estate!

Emily Dickinson

Visiting of his majesty (Chianti Wine)!

I met a King this afternoon!
He had not put on a Crown indeed -
A little Palm leaf Hat was all,
And he was barefoot, I’m afraid!

But I am sure he wore Ermine
Beneath his faded blue Jacket’s -
And I am sure, he bore the crest
Within that Jacket’s pocket too!

For it was too stately for an Earl -
A Marquis would not go so great!
It was possibly a miniature Czar -
A Pope, or something of that kind!

If I must tell you, of a Horse
My spotted Monarch held the bridle -
Doubtless a deserving Beast,
But not at all inclined to run!

And such a wagon! While I live
I dare presume to see
Another such a vehicle
As then transported me!

Two other tattered Princes
Shared his royal state!
Doubtless the first excursion
These sovereigns ever took!

I question if the Royal Coach
Round which the Footmen wait
Has the high status,
Of this Barefoot Rank!

Palmleaf leaf Hat: cork
Ermine: straw basket
Crest: label