Poem 165

by

Emily Dickinson


A Wounded Deer--leaps highest--

I've heard the Hunter tell--

'Tis but the Ecstasy of death--

And then the Brake is still!


The Smitten rock that gushes!

The trampled Steel that springs!

A Cheek is always redder

Just where the Hectic stings!


Mirth is the Mail of Anguish--

In which it Cautious Arm,

Lest anybody spy the blood

And "you're hurt" exclaim!


(1860)



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