Emily Dickinson #1

  

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 straightway dangerous - 

And handled with a Chain - 

_____ 

Mine – by the Right of the White Election!

Mine – by the Royal Seal! 

Mine – by the sign in

the Scarlet prison – 

+Bars – cannot conceal!

Mine – here – in Vision – and

in Veto! 

Mine – by the Grave’s Repeal – 

____ 

Tell all the truth but tell it slant —

Success in Circuit lies

Too bright for our infirm Delight

The Truth's superb surprise

As Lightning to the Children eased

With explanation kind

The Truth must dazzle gradually

Or every man be blind — 

Emily Dickinson 

1860-70ish