Emily Dickinson

I know that He exists c. 1862

I know that He exists.

Somewhere—in Silence—

He has hid his rare life

From our gross eyes.

’Tis an instant’s play. 5

’Tis a fond Ambush—

Just to make Bliss

Earn her own surprise!

But—should the play

Prove piercing earnest—10

Should the glee-glaze—

In Death’s—stiff—stare—

Would not the fun

Look too expensive!

Would not the jest—15

Have crawled too far!