“Either the Darkness alters — Or something in the sight”

Is writing poetry a deeply personal act in which a poet wants to share his or her own experience with us?  Or is it a way for a poet to make sense of the whole world, on our behalf, and generously share their understanding of it with us ?  What was their original intention?  We will never quite know.   

We do know, however, that people are divided on the ‘use’ and ‘purpose’ of poetry. While some are moved by a poet’s words, others say that poetry just isn’t for them.  The first lot, is astonished by how a poet can mysteriously capture exactly what they are feeling.  The second lot, admonish a poet. They ask:  “How can a poet ever claim to know what I feel and so why would I rely on their words? “  

We belong to astonished lot.  But we aren’t trying to convert you.  We are indebted that the words of some of greatest poets are preserved and accessible to us,  particularly,  in times of great darkness.  

Today, as the world is engulfed by a cloud, instead of book 14, we read Emily Dickson.  This is how the bravest would respond, she said.  They would,   “grope a little”,  “adjust” ,  “learn to see”  and in the end,  “ meet the Road -  erect ". 

Here is the full poem – she didn’t give it a title: 

We grow accustomed to the Dark —

When Light is put away —

As when the Neighbor holds the Lamp

To witness her Good bye —

A Moment — We Uncertain step

For newness of the night —

Then — fit our Vision to the Dark —

And meet the Road — erect —

And so of larger — Darknesses —

Those Evenings of the Brain —

When not a Moon disclose a sign —

Or Star — come out — within —

The Bravest — grope a little —

And sometimes hit a Tree

Directly in the Forehead —

But as they learn to see —

Either the Darkness alters —

Or something in the sight

Adjusts itself to Midnight —

And Life steps almost straight. 

Thank you, Emily Dickinson.

Vinati @The Script

p.s. We hope you find the poet who speaks to you…and buy their entire anthology.