Nature

Dust is the only secret

by Emily Dickinson 1830–1886

From The Single Hound (1914)

Nature

Dust is the only secret,
Death the only one
You cannot find out all about
In his native town:
Nobody knew his father,
Never was a boy,
Hadn't any playmates
Or early history.

Industrious, laconic,
Punctual, sedate,
Bolder than a Brigand,
Swifter than a Fleet,
Builds like a bird too,
Christ robs the nest—
Robin after robin
Smuggled to rest!

MLA

Dickinson, Emily. “Dust is the only secret.” Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/dickinson/651/.

Chicago

Dickinson, Emily. “Dust is the only secret.” Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/dickinson/651/.

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