Volcanoes:
Citing four poems fromThe Poems Of Emily Dickinson edited by R.W. Franklin, published in 1999; this page explores a curation of the poems that Emily Dickinson wrote about volcanoes-- whether she explored the subject literally or metaphorically, volcanoes serve as a fascinating motif that underscore multiple embedded meanings regarding the subject. Emily refers to volcanoes throughout a large part of her writing career, making them a vital tool in understanding a larger scheme of her prose when speaking about nature, things she hasn't seen before and metaphorical observation.
Poem #165
I have never seen "Volcanoes" —But, when Travellers tellHow those old — phlegmatic mountainsUsually so still —
Bear within — appalling Ordnance,Fire, and smoke, and gun,Taking Villages for breakfast,And appalling Men —
If the stillness is VolcanicIn the human faceWhen upon a pain TitanicFeatures keep their place —
If at length the smouldering anguishWill not overcome —And the palpitating VineyardIn the dust, be thrown?
If some loving Antiquary,On Resumption Morn,Will not cry with joy "Pompeii"!To the Hills return!
Bear within — appalling Ordnance,Fire, and smoke, and gun,Taking Villages for breakfast,And appalling Men —
If the stillness is VolcanicIn the human faceWhen upon a pain TitanicFeatures keep their place —
If at length the smouldering anguishWill not overcome —And the palpitating VineyardIn the dust, be thrown?
If some loving Antiquary,On Resumption Morn,Will not cry with joy "Pompeii"!To the Hills return!
Poem #517:
A still — Volcano — Life —That flickered in the night —When it was dark enough to doWithout erasing sight —
A quiet — Earthquake Style —Too subtle to suspectBy natures this side Naples —The North cannot detect
The Solemn — Torrid — Symbol —The lips that never lie —Whose hissing Corals part — and shut —And Cities — ooze away —
A quiet — Earthquake Style —Too subtle to suspectBy natures this side Naples —The North cannot detect
The Solemn — Torrid — Symbol —The lips that never lie —Whose hissing Corals part — and shut —And Cities — ooze away —
Poem #1776:
The reticent volcano keeps
His never slumbering plan
Confided are his projects pink
To no precarious man.
If nature will not tell the tale
Jehovah told to her
Can human nature not proceed
Without a listener?
Admonished by her buckled lips
Let every prater be
The only secret neighbors keep
Is Immortality.
Poem #1691
Volcanoes be in Sicily
And South America
I judge from my Geography
Volcano nearer here
A Lava step at any time
Am I inclined to climb
A Crater I may contemplate
Vesuvius at Home