Saluting Emily Dickinson

One and a quarter century ago, You left without revealing your treasure Of poetry written in seclusion, Meant for your eyes only and your pleasure. How surprised you would be dear Emily That through all of these years, they have survived And enchanted tens of thousands readers, Who hope our own words might be so long-lived. Modest and reclusive, you couldn’t know How wide and how far-flung your fame would spread. Your note-book held such precious jewels that In this modern age, they’re still being read. Inspired am I as I turn loved pages Of poetry lasting through the ages.